Just Say "No"

Today’s Verse: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:12-14

The control I have over the choices my kids make is becoming smaller and smaller. Daily they are getting closer to the age where, as their mom, I will have no control of the choices they make. It’s been gradually moving that direction since the day they were born. As they were infants their choices included when to cry, and when to poop. Sort of.

Today, their choices are bigger, more numerous, and could have bigger consequences on their lives. As a mom, I’m finding that the role of directing, guiding, and laying down the “law” is getting harder and harder. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some things that I say “no” to, but the goal and art of parenting is to teach our kids to become independent and make wise decisions on their own. Knowing when those times of “freedom” come is a constant balancing act.

My prayer is that God’s Spirit will be so present in their lives, that when they are choosing books to read, music to listen to, and movies to watch, that they will sense when to say “no” to the things that are not of God. And when they are pressured to join in drinking, smoking, drugs, stealing, etc, they will find God’s strength to make the wise and better choices.

Daily the choices are getting harder.

Father, you love my kids more than I do, and you long for them to make the right choices, more than I do. Fill them with your Spirit and be their guide. When faced with decisions that lead them further from You, prod them to go the other direction. Please protect them from the enemy enticing them to participate in things that lead to ungodly lives. May they always stand firm in their faith, and seek You in all that they do. May they choose You, and choose to live for You. Protect them, Lord Jesus, I pray!