Generation NeXt Parenting

Tis the Season: In conclusion...

Search out True Riches

Is our purpose to see how much we can obtain here on earth? Not quite.
“If your objectives are anything other than ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever,’ you teach your children to function in the culture on its terms,” says Tedd Tripp, author of Shepherding a Child’s Heart. “In terms of Godward orientation, we are training them in the idolatry of materialism. In fact, we even feed the
idols.”
Ouch.

I know Tripps’ words have caused me to take a step back and evaluate how I’m training my kids to function in our culture. It also makes me realize if I don’t deliberately teach my children God’s terms, the world’s terms will quickly fill in where I’m lacking.

“I've taught my son that his issue with discontentment is actually an issue with God,” says Ocieanna. “When my son’s upset that things aren’t going his way or he’s not getting what he wants, he’s really saying he doesn't like the way God's running the universe. I remind him God is the one who gets to choose what happens, and it's our job to glorify Him in all we do.”

Job 36:11 says, “If they obey and serve [God], they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” (NIV)

Ask your kids to help you come up with ways to glorify, obey, and serve God and find contentment in Him. Sing praise songs and pray throughout the day. Talk about His love, His miracles, and His life. Only God can fill us up and satisfy our hearts! He can do this in a way no “stuff” can.

Continuing series on Contentment this holiday season!

(photo courtesy of flickr)

posted by Tricia Goyer @ 6:36 AM