Have you ever walked on a trail that was not marked? It may have been an adventure, but you also might have gotten lost. Our kids are venturing out into a complicated, scary world, making it vitally important that we blaze the trail by leaving clear markers for them to follow.
This is the premise of an inspiring blog written by Larry Taylor, President of the Association of Christian Schools International. Taylor advises we base our markers on biblical truth, through which God intends to guide all of our lives. Three perspectives can help us as we blaze the trail:
Patience – We can’t microwave our children into mature Christians. Spiritual growth is a long, slow process that stretches over a lifetime. Therefore, we choose to be longsuffering with them, not only correcting them, but also bathing them in grace. We listen carefully and welcome hard questions.
Congruency – As much as we seek to guide for our children at home, the world around them gains greater influence as they get older. We must think about whom we allow to be influencers in their lives. The more those people believe and behave according to the same truths we hold dear, the more our students will recognize the pattern and follow accordingly. This highlights the importance of attending a good church and enrolling students in a like-minded school.
Resolve – Though it is hard, we must allow our children to go through trials, from which they will build strength and learn wisdom. Through such experiences, God will teach them the self-discipline and grit needed to succeed.
We can help our children go where we purposefully direct them, or we can leave them to wander aimlessly. Let’s think carefully about the markers we establish, making sure we are always pointing them toward Christ.