Are we in line with the heart of God?
There comes a time where we inevitably feel like we have life pretty well figured out. We know how to act. We know what to do. We’ve learned what to avoid. However, in the process, we’ve lost God’s heart.
As a parent, I do this from time to time. I have a pretty good idea how I want my child to act, I know certain attitudes or behaviors I want him to avoid, and I soon begin to parent in my own way rather than in a God-honoring way.
I often find myself chasing the idols of behavior modification and daddy idolization. In the process, I lose the heart of God as I mentor and love my child.
The idol of behavior modification sneaks up fairly easily and I don’t think I’m alone in this. As parents, we want our children to learn right and wrong. We want them to conform to certain behaviors, but we too often seek to change their actions rather than nurture their heart.
Proverbs 4:23 calls the heart the “wellspring of life.” Luke 6:45 says that “out of the heart, the mouth speaks.” God wants our hearts. I lose sight of this when I become fixated on my desire to see my child just “do it right” rather than patiently and lovingly shepherding his heart.
I also lose sight of the heart of God in parenting when I make myself an idol. I become big headed and self-righteous when I get frustrated that my child does not obey me. I know – children should obey their parents. However, I think we can all attest that at times we have disciplined not out of a desire to see our children mature and grow, but simply because our inflated egos were damaged.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Is my primary concern that my son obey me or that he mature and grow in his love for God and people?
I know we all have our own parenting styles. The many different theories and practices fill up bookstores. No matter which one we choose, we must make sure we submit our own hearts to God. Without his help, we will only become frustrated and fatigued as we chase idols such as the ones I battle.
Remember the words of Jesus in John 15:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
As parents, we must regularly ask ourselves:
Are we in line with the heart of God?
Becoming Last 
Absolutely–needed question and like anything else, the Holy Spirit will search us. We have to have His evaluation. He certainly wants us to have and develop His heart. Thanks Matt–great post.
Thanks Jason.
Great thoughts. I have been guilty of creating parenting idols more times than I care to admit. It is so true that we must follow the heart of God, and let Him live through us. Otherwise, we may exasperate our kids and lead them away from the One we love and live for. 🙂
We’re really glad you’ve joined the High Calling network. We look forward to getting to know you as you interact with our diverse group of bloggers. 🙂
Thanks Dena. I’ve enjoyed reading some of the other blogs so I figured I should stop lurking and join up!