Parenting is hard. We have our own internal struggles with not wanting to care more about worldly things than we do about God. And, we have the tough task of trying to model the right things for our kids. They are following our lead and watching everything we say and do. So, we need to make sure we’re focused on the right things. The apostle Paul has some tough words about for Christians.
Philippians 3:18-19 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.
Some Christians live as enemies of the cross
Ouch! Even followers of Jesus can miss the mark of living their lives in a manner that respects the cross of Christ. The cross represents our worth. Our value is based on the love of Christ who died to save us and set us free. The cross should be our focus where we humbly accept Christ’s gift of grace and mercy and live to point others toward him. An enemy of the cross lives to satisfy their own desires and finds value in their own accomplishments. An enemy of the cross says the world’s opinion matters more than God’s.
Parents, let’s be careful not to raise our kids to be enemies of the cross
Be mindful of what you are emphasizing with your kids. Do you obsess more over sports accomplishments and perfect grades than you do encouraging a pursuit of God? Do you care more about what other parents think of your kids than what God thinks? Do you spend more time and money on extra curricular things than you do on giving to God?
Remember, we are really citizens of heaven
Our primary emphasis should be on who we are in Christ. Parents, our first concern should be to establish a culture in our homes that puts the emphasis on God’s word. The focus should be on doing what honors God. Start with God and everything else falls under his purposes and plan. That way, you can still encourage your kids to excel in sports or in other things. It’s just not the end all be all. Instead of valuing worldly accomplishments, you should encourage and emphasize attitude and effort that honors God. Any success on earth is fleeting. Real accomplishment is being Christ to others and bringing them to heaven with you.
Philippians 3:20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Provide some examples of things you care more about than you should. Why are those important to you?
- How have you encouraged your kids to value the wrong stuff?
- Read Philippians 3:18-19. What do you think these verses are saying? What does it look like to care too much about this life?
- Read Philippians 3:20.What can you start doing as a family to live more like citizens of heaven?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
