The world we live in appears to be consumed with the idea of success. As parents, we too want our children to succeed in life. But what does that look like and how motivated are you to help your child succeed?
If you are a parent who desires your child to succeed in school you will most likely purchase the necessary supplies such as paper, pencils, ruler, and calculator. If you are a highly motivated parent, you may offer assistance with homework assignments and class projects to help your child gain a better understanding of each subject.
If you are a parent who desires his child to succeed at sports you will usually buy the needed equipment to play the game. You will invest in lessons, place the child on a team, and perhaps even assist with coaching. If you are a highly motivated parent, you will often set aside time to help your child practice his position, willing to do whatever is necessary to improve his skills.
So what does a parent look like who is motivated to see his or her child succeed spiritually?
If you are a parent who desires to see your child achieve personal spiritual success you will train him according to the Bible’s definition of success. Joshua 1:8 states: Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. This means that you will:
- Be diligent in training your child to live according to the absolute truth of God’s Word, rather than by the values set forth by society or other parents.
- Consistently invest in the Word of God through daily Bible study and prayer, while helping your child to personally apply truth.
- Provide opportunities to practice memorizing and implementing truth in practical ways as you and your child experience daily life.
- Most importantly, as a highly motivated parent you will choose to personally obey truth, giving your child a living example of Jesus to follow.