Thursday, June 4, 2009

A Good Article on Parenting Teenagers

You can find it by clicking here. It's an article called "Standing Firm With Your Teenager," springing from Philippians 1:27, where Christians are called to live "worthy of the gospel" in all things--which would include parenting in difficult times.

Here are a few quotes if you don't have time to read it all:

"Despite your own poor and rebellious behavior, God, who is rich in mercy, lavished his grace upon you (Ephesians 1:6-8)....(B)ecause you have been brought into the kingdom of God, you must represent him in all you do, especially with your family. So the natural thoughts that come quickly to mind--like how could you do this to me?--are replaced by the mercy and grace of Christ. Instead of reacting in frustration, or even anger, to poor and rebellious performance by your teen, you respond with love and compassion for his battle."

"This means that you offer the gospel, not alternative solutions, to behavioral problems."

"Rejoice with your teenager that God does not treat us as our sins deserve, and don't treat him as his sins deserve, either. You can assure your teenager that you need the grace of the gospel every bit as much as he does."

"You should offer to them the call to stand with you under the banner of the gospel. This call must be practical and heartfelt. If your teenagers have not embraced the faith of the gospel, you do not want them to think that their 'good' performance around the house can become an acceptable alternative to following Christ. For example, if an offense has occurred, you still correct them, but you also remind them Christ is the real solution."

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