Parental Honors

I am praying tonight for many things, among them, that I am about to witness a breakthrough in the days and weeks... the hopefully result of a heart-to-heart conversation I had with my two beautiful kids this evening. 

Though I had to separate them twice, off to an out-of sight spot for each of them (just so I could get them to understand Dad was serious about this conversation) I'm hoping they understand my frustrated point of view.

A pretty simple one at that... you listen to other people you respect in this life; your teachers at school, the kids pastor at church and the people who teach their class there, Grandma & Grandpa.... they kept telling me what they do that shows they listen and respect them, but couldn't quite tell me why. After some prodding and concluding that is was simply "because of the position they held", then what was missing when it came to Mom & Dad?
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I know right... who in their right mind listens to their parents?? 

As a great comedian once stated, "when I was 14, I thought my Dad was the dumbest man on the face of the earth. When I was 21, I was amazed at what he had learned in 7 years."

Meanwhile, I went all day, narry a clue as to what to write for this #youthPastorWednesday. After the conversation with the kiddos, it occurred to me...

Does God have those parental moments? Really? You'll listen to your earthly parents, but not the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Teachers, scholars, professors, but not My Word? You read and take into conideration the written words of great philosophers and poets, yet not the heed the words of Christ?

Whether we are young in the faith or seasoned, we have earthly relationships where we, or the other part, wonder how certain dynamics seemingly play out. Thus, it matters not, spiritually as well... the possibility for any Christian, whether in the pew or the pulpit to experience a similar dynamic in our walk with God is great.

Thus, pray this #youthPastorWednesday, that church leadership would be strengthened and encouraged to lead by example. While, like parents, they fail greatly and often, may the church know and understand what kids know of their parents; their hearts are in the right place... desirous to love and seek the Lord God Almighty. Pray their lives would not be thrown off balance, when life interferes with their faith; but that their faith in God would lead, guide and direct the paths they choose, the conversations they have and the decisions they make. May their faith not falter when life gets difficult and the tension and frustration of the moment takes center stage. Pray they would respond in ways and words that glorify God.

May all these things follow,
Those who seek first the kingdom of God.
By the power of the Holy Spirir
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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