The Right Path

Have you ever been so deep in thought that you missed your turn, ran into something, or missed an important message?   Your focus took a momentary (or not so momentary) detour and you ended up somewhere you never intended to go. It happens quite easily when we are distracted. And when it comes to raising kids in a hectic whirlwind of activities, distraction often becomes the norm. That being the case, is it any wonder that statistics show that parents who claim to be God followers are not raising children who grow up and choose to follow God? Distractions pull us off course and away from the path God has set for us.

 In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul admits that he has had a few detours off the course God had for him, but he has found the secret to reaching the goal… “focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race to receive the prize…” Philippians 1:13-14 Said another way, Carpi Diem! Seize the day!  Stop looking back at the times you strayed from the path and failed to reach your destination and focus on where you want to go and strain to reach that goal… not just for yourself, but for those who come behind you.

The proverb states, “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” (Proverbs 22:6)  The best way to teach your children the path of godliness is to walk with them on that path. If you aren’t staying on the path, why should they?

Don’t tell them where the right path is while you take a different path because they will not value what is not of value to you.

Don’t demand that they comply with a strict code of conduct that has no meaning to them so that they will find the right path because imposing rules without relationship will leave them doubting the existence of a God who longs to walk with them.

Don’t send them to church so they can hear about the right path because they know that if that path was important, you would be on it.

Make life in your home about seeking God’s direction one attitude, one action, one decision, one moment at a time…TOGETHER.  You are not perfect. You are human. You will have victories and you will feel defeated. But there is a prize for those who are willing to strain to reach the goal and walking intimately with the One who made you, knows you, adores you and wants nothing more than to be with you throughout eternity is a pretty amazing prize. What could possibly be a better use of your energy than to travel that right path with your kids?