Intentionality : Be the Standard

Isaiah 59:19 (NKJ version)

While I haven’t entered parenthood just yet, I often marvel at the strength and hard work of moms and dads everywhere. It’s a huge task in itself to have to take care of a child’s basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. It’s an even greater responsibility for parents (and nowadays grandparents) to raise a child to be an upstanding, God-fearing adult. 

There’s some truth in the statement that no matter how a child was raised, they make their own decisions when they become an adult. Nevertheless, most parents make sure to take the time to guide their children to a way to for them to live the best life possible.

I find it such a high and daunting calling, and I understand why there are so many debates on what way of parenting is best. No child is the same and one method for one child doesn’t always work for another. Knowing this, I feel the need to be praying IN ADVANCE for my future children. I pray ultimately for their hearts to be full of love and joy. I also pray for my future husband and I to be surrounded with good examples for people to follow. 

In the midst of all the parenting shows, advice, books, etc., one thing is constant. A child is more likely to grow up to be an upstanding adult when they have great examples to follow. Starting from their home environment, to the school, to church...being someone a child can look up to can greatly contribute (or bring damage) to their success in the long run. 

This is why the phrase “Do as I say, not as I do,” DOES NOT WORK. A child, whether you created them or not, is always looking at your actions. When you tell them one thing and do the opposite, you create conflict. When people go through rough patches in life, many find comfort in someone that has endured the same experiences and have come out on top. 

When I was growing up the phrase “What would Jesus do?” was very popular, to the point where many were tired of hearing it. But the statement is so true. When storms arise....when trouble comes....when the enemy DOES seem to come like a flood, what DID Jesus do? It’s the standard I look to when I see injustice and unfairness. When I face fear and confusion. When I don’t know what the next step. 

Parents are great for guidance, but you’ll have to look above to find the greatest example on the things you should do and the life you should love. And once you know what He did, you are able to be the example for others. 

I encourage you, whether you are someone’s parent, employee, student or otherwise, be the one who others can look up to for true guidance on how to look to God for life’s problems. Be the example. Be the standard.