boldness
willingness to take risks and act innovatively; confidence or courage
Boldness is a grand idea, isn’t it? Unfortunately, as parents consider the challenges of raising children today, the idea may seem elusive. Do we really need boldness and confidence? Could we just settle for apprehension? We already have apprehension working really well.
Often, we feel overwhelmed by the onslaught of false information being thrown in front of our children. We may feel that we are in a battle every single day for the very lives and souls of our kids. The truth is–we are. Here are five ways to become more bold in your parenting summarized from the first section of Raising Kids for Tomorrow’s World: 12 Keys to Preserving the Faith.
1. Be convinced of what you believe, and what you know is right for your family.
Everyone has a theological framework, or worldview, influencing everything they do, including how they parent their children. A.W. Tozer, an American Christian pastor and author, said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Our task as parents is to present to our children a truthful and coherent understanding of God and life. What do you believe about Origin, Meaning of Life, Morality, and Destiny? You are the one God selected to teach your little image bearers. If your children have not assembled these foundational truths by the time they are in high school, they may be tempted to adjust their theological pieces to accommodate the “theology” of their friends and the influential people around them. This is why, as a parent or grandparent, you have a most important role in leading your children to discover, fall in love with, and embrace the truths God has revealed.
2. Embrace your privilege (and right) to teach your children the values and truth you hold dear.
When the Apostle Paul was in Corinth teaching and ministering to the Christians there, he encountered such opposition that the Lord appeared to him. In Acts 18:8-11, Luke records God’s words to Paul in a vision. “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.” Do not be afraid and do not be silent! Go on, speaking the truth.
3. Be willing to be “that parent.”
In your bold parenting you will have many opportunities to hold your ground! Your children will try to convince you every child in the world has a cell phone but him or her. If you do not believe your child is ready for a phone, say no! Yes, you can be “that parent” and your kids will thank you for it one day.
4. Unite yourself with other parents who believe as you do.
Just as the apostles experienced resistance to Christ and his gospel in the training up of the churches, parents are often hindered in the training up of their own children. You may sometimes think you are the only parent who feels as you do (at least, your children will tell you this) but ask God to lead you to others with the same convictions. Gather forces and support and encourage one another.
5. Pray for your children.
Our prayers are the means of calling down blessings for our children and the means of giving us the confidence that God can be believed. Prayer produces courage and patience in both us and our children. We know God is the sovereign dispenser of all good and invites us to present our requests to him. Parents, let us not allow these great treasures to remain buried in the ground.
Confidence and boldness come as we have success and see God work in our children and in ourselves.