Does God Expect Parents to Set Appropriate Boundaries?

Parenting is always a constant learning experience as children  progress through the developmental stages of childhood. Parents have to accept the complexities of each child’s personality and the impact this has on them as parents. Parenting can be stressful as well as a blessing.

While some children are difficult to parent, most desire to please their parents by complying with rules and boundaries, loving school, and eventually becoming independent. When children know with certainty what to expect, they are more inclined to accept the rules of society.

If parents feel secure with setting appropriate boundaries and enforcing consequences, then children will be motivated to please and respect their parents. God’s word commands parents to raise children with discipline and instructions so they will be mature and capable of competing in society as adults. 

The Holy Spirit is willing to guide you in parenting  your children. Are you available?          

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No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

~Hebrews 12:11 New International Version

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Can the Fallout from Disappointment Be Limited?

Disappointment and immaturity are close companions that often line up together. Disappointments are experienced early in childhood and will continue throughout life. Young couples must adjust to the reality that marriage doesn’t produce all that was fantasized during courtship.

People struggling against immaturity will battle disappointment constructively rather than allow compatibility to be destroyed. Disappointment is felt by mature people, but it does not generate lasting discouragement. For stable marriages, compatibility atones for even serious disappointments.

Everyone may have experienced poor judgment, but corrections and recovery are possible. Hebrews 12 encourages believers to discipline their minds just as athletes train their weak arms and legs to win the prize.

Remember, God corrects everyone he loves, so be thankful for his love and correction.                            

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I am confident of this: that the One who has begun his good work in you will go on developing it until the day of Jesus Christ.

~Philippians 1:6 Phillips – New Testament In Modern English

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Why Is Criticism a Bad Habit?

Is it possible for criticism to become a bad habit for coping with stressful issues? Criticism attacks a person’s character and values, so it seldom succeeds in bringing about positive change because safeguards surface to protect oneself from accusations.

Responses may range from showing anger and rage to internalizing feelings of shame and guilt.

A method for confronting the criticizer is to ask him or her to tell you specifically what you’ve done to deserve the criticism. Then listen for any truth in the criticism, and verbally acknowledge that truth.

This response indicates a willingness to talk through problems rather than argue or fight. It projects an attitude of receptiveness to being corrected. Proverbs 9:9 offers wisdom: “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser; teach a righteous man, and it adds to his knowledge.” Determine to be a wise person as well as righteous when responding to criticism.            

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It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace.

~Hebrews 12:11 Contemporary English Version

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What Are the Consequences for Procrastination?

Procrastination is a major reason for failure, but it’s seldom admitted to because blaming others is more acceptable. Postponing decisions is a recipe for defaulting on what could have been a success. I heard about a college freshman who failed all his classes but blamed the professors for being too demanding.

The problem originated when he was rescued from failure by a determined mother who made sure her son did his homework and studied for tests. Another distraught mother felt she had gone through high school twice by doing her son’s homework, writing his papers, and preparing him for tests.

The habit of procrastination leads to failure and disaster. This habit can be overcome by realizing procrastination has no positive, redeeming values. God’s objective is to redeem you and give you a new purpose-driven life when you’re ready to be transformed. God will help you redefine what to do with the rest of your life. 

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Hard work is worthwhile, but empty talk will make you poor.

~Proverbs 14:23 Contemporary English Version

 

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

~Hebrews 12:11 English Standard Version

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Warning! Deception Contaminates

Abraham told Egyptian border agents Sarah was his sister when, in reality, she was his wife. He believed these officials would kill him and take Sarah, for she was unusually beautiful. Decades later when Laban, Jacob’s future father-in-law, hoodwinked him into marrying Leah, Rachel’s older sister, Laban rationalized his action by saying Leah should be married first.

  

Deceptive behavior contaminates integrity and the ability to make appropriate judgement calls. Laban, Leah’s father, evidently convinced himself he was helping her find a husband who would provide for her and give him grandchildren. Little did he know what this act of deception would ultimately cost him.   

While God allows deception and dishonesty to be practiced, he never permits it to be hidden indefinitely. It is within the wisdom of God for sin be acknowledged, confessed and forgiven. While Abraham wasn't blameless in his walk with God, he believed God and in faith turned from his sins. This act of faith was counted by God as righteousness.