Posted in Parenting

There is a thread over on the FIAR boards that I frequent discussing first time obedience. It has been very interesting and eye opening to me. Especially these 2 comments from moms on the board.

How many of us can claim that we give first time obedience to our Father?

"The goal of parenting is not to have the best behaved child at any given moment on any given day, the goal of parenting is to one day have an adult child who loves the Lord, and is a responsible contributor to society." John MacArthur (this isn't an exact quote, but just what she remembers from it.)

Wow. This is freeing to me...why do I worry so about my children's behavior? Yes, I want to be a responsible parent, teach them about the Lord, show them my love for the Lord, instruct them...but, oh the times I have felt guilt for "bad parenting" because my children don't always obey the first time. I admit, I do struggle with guilt. But, these comments above are very encouraging to me. Not to DIScourage first time obedience, but to learn to extend the grace that my heavenly Father so freely bestows upon me.

What do you think?