What I want to do is break that statement down nearly word by word to help explain what that fully means. First of all the word "parents." Parents need to be parents and not just buddy's or a friend. Parents are called by God to love their children, have fun with their children, discipline their children, set up boundaries for their children. The job of a parent has never been easy, but Godly Parenting develops Godly Children.
The second word I want to dissect is "primary." Parents should be the primary voice their children here when it comes to life, dating, friendship, sex, money, decision making process, etc... The church should not be the primary voice they hear. Neither should their friends at school or other peoples parents. It is the parents job to be that primary voice, and this directly ties into the next word. "Spiritual!" As parents the job is not only to be the primary voice about life, but about all matters of faith and practice. Parents should teach their children who God is and how he is working in the world. The spiritual trajectory of our sons and daughters lives is determined by the spiritual example we live out and speak about in our homes.
Then this thought flows into the next word "Influence." Parents your voice matters. Your life matters. Whether you like it or not you have had an influence on your child's life, and my prayer is that parents with students in our Youth at Christ Community take ownership in this. Some parents I know already do this, and I pray that all the parents begin to take this idea to heart that they are influencers in their child's life. The way you talk around your children, the way you treat your spouse, the way you relate to and talk about God, all of that matters, my prayer is that you influence your child to have a loving and committed relationship with Jesus Christ.
Parents you have been given a fantastic opportunity and great responsibility to be the primary spiritual influence in your child's life, and I pray that you never relinquish that role to any one else. The church only gets a few hours a week with your children, but you get all week. I promise that I will use my time effectively invest into and influence your children, but I ask as Parents, please with wisdom, allow the church to partner with you in raising up Godly men and women who will make a difference for Christ long after we are gone.
Parents I know that being a parent can be so stressful and difficult sometime, and I want you to know that you matter. You matter to our church, and more importantly you matter to your children even if they don't see it right now. Your life matters.
Thank you so much for your words Chris. There is so much truth to your word. Being a parent isn't easy. We are faced with difficult situations and decissions on a daily basis, but we need to trust that God will always guide us through. My thoughts anyways. Thank you for your encouragement your wisdom and your words... They are greatly appreciated.
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