Parenting On The Battlefield

The Battle At Hand: There is a war taking place inside the four walls of our comfy homes. Regardless of whether the children are living in a well-rounded Christian home or not, they are relentless in their excuses and are finding ways to either avoid or not follow through at all with the task at hand.

Frustration levels of parents are on the rise as children continue to disregard and disrespect the authority of their parents. Households are being torn apart while the war rages forth. Although the battlefield may appear to be of the physical account, it is not. This war is one of the spiritual realm and the outcome is of a more graver cause; life in eternity.

God Knew: God already knew how the hearts of the people would eventually turn away from Him.

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3: 1-4)

Weapons For War: Even though he knew exactly what people would do, He has not relented in the war against evil. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. He has placed into our hands all of the necessities to combat the enemy head on:

Prayer, The Church, and Armor.

Prayer: One of our most powerful weapons as parents is to pray for our children especially when situations arise that are out of our hands and prayer remains the only tool we can use.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

The Church: Encouraging and lifting each other up through the ebbs and flows of life as members of one body, we are to be a supportive structure not only to each other but also for the youth teaching them the ways of Christ.

“…But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26)

Our armor: Every soldier needs to be outfitted with a means of protection. God has given us armor to guard ourselves from the lucid forms of the enemy. We must put it on daily.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Waging The Battle: Our role as a parent is to be an example as Christ was an example for us. We are also to intercede in prayer and to put on the full armor of God.  If we begin to relent in any one of these categories, the walls of our family begin to crumble and crack allowing the enemy to enter in.  Therefore, keeping a balance and seeking God first must be our number one priority in order to win the war for our children.

How has the enemy tried to break down the barriers in your family structure?