Parenting Myth #4: Good beginnings lead to happy endings.

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Day 4 – Parenting Myth #4: Good beginnings lead to happy endings.

 

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

Revelation 2:4, ESV

 

Many parents operate under this idea that if they have a good child in the early years, they will have a good child later in life. You’ve heard it said: “I have such a good baby! She sleeps through the night!” As a parent, we all want good kids. But when does having a child sleeping through night mean we have a good baby?

 

The truth is that we like babies that sleep through the night because that means we get to sleep through the night too! No matter how we qualify a good baby… a good beginning doesn’t guarantee a happy ending.  The Bible says we all are born into sin (Romans 5:12) and children are bound to mess up (Proverbs 22:15).

 

As we look at the church in Ephesus (see the book of Ephesians), we discover that the church had a great start and sad ending. The church was planted by the apostle Paul, had great Bible teaching, was known for its love, generosity, and diverse congregation. And yet, over time, it got off track and later was said to have abandoned its first love of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This goes to show that anyone or anything can get off track, and just because there is a great start, this doesn’t ensure a great ending!

 

Parenting kids is the same thing. For those that have raised kids that started out great and ended up great, don’t perpetuate this myth and become prideful in this false belief. And for those that had a great start and tough journey as the child hit their teens years, don’t be too discouraged, or get stuck in guilt. God’s grace is more than enough for you and your son or daughter no matter their situation. Ask for God’s help and guidance along your parenting journey. As Proverbs 3:4-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

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