Being a mother can make you take back all those times that you’ve said “when I’m a mother, I’ll never…..” It’s funny how when we are single we have tons of advice for married people and when we are still without children we have tons of advice on parenting. There are ways that sound good in textbooks, but parenting is a continual learning process. Every child is different and must be handled differently. Every child learns different, responds to different discipline, likes to do different things, eats different, and so on. Before I had my first child, I was very selfish. When I became a mommy my whole outlook on life changed. I wasn’t saved yet, but I realized that every decision that I made would affect my daughter. It was my job to keep her healthy and safe and I needed to make some changes. I have had a lot of I nevers, but the truth is that you can’t accurately say “I’ll never” unless you have been placed in that situation. Parenting is no different. I thought my parents had it all wrong. I promised myself that I would do things differently (a lot of things I do), but now and again I find my mother’s or father’s voice coming out of my very own mouth. It is very important to set boundaries and of course there are many lines that you shouldn’t cross. I’m not talking about foundational standards that go against the word of God, I am talking about preferences that you thought were not acceptable based on your opinion. I never thought that I would give my first baby a pacifier, until she was colic and screamed nonstop for 23 hours a day. I also never wanted to give formula, until the breast milk was the reason why she was so colicky. Will Jesus be offended that I gave my baby a pacifier? Am I going to hell for giving my baby formula? No, absolutely not. We have to be careful when giving advice to other mommies (and people in general). Every situation calls for something different. Just because something has worked for you does not mean that it will work for me and my unique situation. We have to be encouragers and not ones that bring condemnation and shame to others because of their decisions. I have made many bad decisions throughout my life (even after saying yes to Jesus). We all fall short of the glory of God but thank You Jesus that He is merciful and forgiving and wants to lead us into truth. We have to be moved by compassion when helping others and not our own self righteousness. We have to do what is pleasing to God and what’s best for our situation and not be concerned with man’s opinion when receiving advice from others. Remember, most people mean well. They are just sharing what has worked for them, but don’t let them be the standard. God’s plan is different for each one of us and for our children. Parenting is a place of continuous prayer. God will reveal to us what is best and show us ways that we never thought of. Be encouraged. You are a good parent, your baby/babies love you, and God is with You!
Colossians 2(NKJV)
Not Philosophy but Christ
2 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and[a] of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Father, we thank you that your grace and mercy abounds toward us. Thank you for the uniqueness of our own children. Forgive us for wanting to please man and the world’s philosophy and for also giving opinions without experience, compassion, and love. Help us be sensitive and wise in every situation. Free us from our own opinions that were made from bad experiences and help us be open to what is right for each individual situation. We want to know what is best for us. Reveal yourself in our circumstances and lead us into truth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!
Colossians 2(NKJV)
Not Philosophy but Christ
2 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and[a] of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it[b] with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Father, we thank you that your grace and mercy abounds toward us. Thank you for the uniqueness of our own children. Forgive us for wanting to please man and the world’s philosophy and for also giving opinions without experience, compassion, and love. Help us be sensitive and wise in every situation. Free us from our own opinions that were made from bad experiences and help us be open to what is right for each individual situation. We want to know what is best for us. Reveal yourself in our circumstances and lead us into truth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!