Biblical Answer

The Value of Parenting and the Hope of Eternity

As a Christian, I believe that parenting is a sacred calling, and it is essential to recognize the value of this role. While it is true that parents are not sovereign, and their children's lives are ultimately in God's hands, it is still our responsibility to be an example of godly faith, to teach them the gospel, and to exemplify love for all things pure and holy. In this sense, parenting is not just about raising children; it's about shaping their spiritual lives and preparing them for eternity. As Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse emphasizes the importance of laying a solid foundation for our children's spiritual growth, even if we are not around to see the fruits of our labor.

The Hope of Eternity

As Christians, we have the hope of eternity, which gives us a perspective on parenting that is both encouraging and liberating. Even if our children do not turn out exactly as we had hoped, we can still trust that God is sovereign and that He has a plan for their lives. As Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." This verse reminds us that our hope is not in our children's success or our own parenting abilities, but in God's goodness and love. When we live for God and not for our own pride or ambition, we can experience a sense of peace and contentment that is not dependent on our children's performance.

Praying for Our Children

As parents, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our efforts to raise our children. We can pray for them, and ask God to intervene in their lives and shape their hearts and minds. As 1 John 5:14-15 says, "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." This verse reminds us that prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about change in our children's lives, even if we are not physically present to guide them. By praying for our children and trusting in God's sovereignty, we can experience a sense of peace and hope that transcends our circumstances.