How to Be a Better Parent
The Lies We Believe About Parenting | REALationships Part 2
RyanRyan McDermott
The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.
Start Talking - Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.
This week we heard some statistics about parenting goals in the United States. 31% of parents say their primary goal is to ensure their children are successful. 30% say their primary goal is to ensure their children are happy. Only 14% of parents believe their primary goal is to pass down the values and faith that will guide the lives of their children.
- Where do you think your parents fell/fall in the three categories mentioned above? Was their driving force their desire for you to have success or happiness? Or were they more concerned about teaching values and passing down faith?
- When you think about the people in your sphere of influence—what is your goal for your primary impact? After some reflection, if you need to shift focus, what are some practical steps you can take to start moving in the right direction?
Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.
Genesis 2:18a
- In the grand design of God, we see He made us for connection and community. Think about your life. What is the best memory you have made with the people you care about?
- On the other hand, do you have a memory of a moment where you were alone—and very desperately did not want that to be the case? Look at those around you; is there anyone in the middle of a crisis moment? Be intentional. Find ways you can be for them exactly who you needed for yourself in a fragile moment. Their situation could shift in a positive direction if you step in and look for ways to offer love and care.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
- What are your priorities? Is there anything that is hindering your ability to put these verses into action?
- Do you think of individual homes as places of discipleship? Or have you always assumed this was something that should entirely take place at church? Where did that perspective come from?
Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.
Pastor Ryan gave us some tips so we can all take some practical steps to pass faith on to the next generation.
1. Know God’s Word intimately.
- You cannot share with others something you do not have yourself. Is there anything you can, or need, to do to deepen your understanding of God and His Word?
2. Teach God’s Word intentionally.
- Is faith something that is pushed to one corner of your life, and only brought out on Sunday? Take inventory of your actions when it comes to sharing truth with your family and friends in your day-to-day life. What does it look like? What should it look like?
3. Speak God’s Word invariably.
- Invariably simply means “in every case or on every occasion.” Is God’s Word your go-to for all things, in every situation? Or is it treated as a last resort? When we put God in the right place, everything falls into its proper place.
Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.
There were some instructions given specifically to parents and children in the teaching this week. But these principles can be applied in various situations. Let’s all be looking for ways to put these things into practice. We do not just want to hear truth. We want to live it out.
- Choose to believe the best.
- Show the same grace you want to be given.
- Allow for the possibility that the other party knows more than you think they know.
- When you don’t know what to do, then do the most loving thing.
Keep Praying
- Pray for healing in broken relationships.
- Pray for self-awareness so we can all strengthen, and grow, our relationships.
Keep Praising
“King of Kings” – Hillsong Worship
Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.