5 questions to share
1. What is the most difficult moment of parenting is?
Larry: when you let go of all ten fingers
Reading from Gen 37:34-35
Reading from Luke 15:11-13 (prodigal son)
story of Joseph and story of prodigal have similarities: fathers missing sons, youngest son, sons taken away, joyful reunion with sons
there were differences: Joseph exemplified Godly wisdom and Prodigal exemplified worldly wisdom
2. How are kids doing today when they leave home?
look more like Joseph or Prodigal?
Worldview is what is in the heart... where decisions are made
3. Why don't we talk more about parents helping kids follow God?
a. It's not intentional
b. It's unmeasured
c. It's underappreciated
There has to be a change of culture in the Christian homes
Telling story of man he had conversation with on the plane about what that man would want for his kids...
answer was about future family, work, etc.
when asked about what would grieve him, he answered "Being lost spiritually."
Many parents think about temporal goals for their families but no eternal goal.
There is no revolution, no target and no plan
What do we do? Where do parents start? Three things.
1. Set a target
Parent first answer to question of what you want to see you kids do should be for them to love God with all heart, soul, mind, strength
Suggests that Joseph be a target
2. Have a plan
Doesn't have to be overly detailed
Take a look at story of Joseph...
Gen 39: 6-9 -- Joseph had respect for authority
Joseph has respect for marriage relationship
Joseph has respect for God's standards
Joseph has respect for God's authority in his life
In addition to respect, weave in wisdom
What is the source of wisdom? Joseph makes the statement that wisdom belongs to God
We need to help our children understand grace as well
Joseph showed grace to his brothers
We need to help our children find and do the will of God
We need to teach kids that God is sovereign in all things
3. Start to revolt
Revolt against busyness, apathy, delegating away to the church, bobble head effect, no spiritual planning, no spiritual target...