We All Fall Short

Teens, trust us when we say we feel the gravity of our obligation to God when raising you. We realize that we are shaping your life, your future, and your eternal destiny. Through you, we’re shaping the world. That’s a lot of responsibility, but one we've gladly accepted.

We fall short sometimes.

We'd prefer if you didn’t notice those times, but we’re glad that you do. You see, God didn’t make any of us perfect. We will all fall short. What matters is what we do in response to those shortcomings. We pray daily that the Lord will allow you to see us stand up, dust off, and keep marching forward toward the goal He has for us.

So that you are aware, here’s a brief list of a few of our priorities as they pertain to raising you. One day we hope that this same sort of list will provide you with the grace and wisdom you need in your day to day life. When we fall short, we come back to this list and use it to get back on track again. It reminds us of what is important.

1. Love your spouse—God designed parents to be partners, and a key essential to caring for your children is showing a godly love for your spouse.
2. Take your family to church—The simple act of getting your family to church is a giant step toward boosting the spiritual growth of your family.
3. Grow spiritually—A parent after God’s own heart constantly desires to grow spiritually, always striving to be where he or she needs to be.
4. Spend more time with your children—This one’s obvious. A closer relationship with your children comes only with time. Give it to them. Be present when you do.
5. Make a commitment—Commit yourself afresh to make every sacrifice necessary to point your children toward God. Do all you can. Don’t procrastinate! Do your part and point them toward God.

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to always see my parents as the most godly influence in my life. Help me to seek and develop relationships that are healthy, godly, and meaningful to both my life and theirs.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Find more encouragement for your teen in our books, A Young Man After God’s Own Heart and A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart.

REFLECT:

What godly characteristic have you seen God grow in your parent’s lives? What characteristic of yours do you need to lay before God?

REMEMBER:

Make a list of character development examples that are modeled in your home. Put them in a place where you can visibly see them each day