A Misguided Love
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
In raising our children, we may be inclined to give them everything and ask nothing from them in return. On the surface, this may seem to be an expression of genuine love, but in so doing, we are actually teaching our children to expect everything and to give nothing.
Both parents and children need to understand that in the give-and-take of life, both must do their share of giving (Ephesians 6:1-4). Parents tend to think that shielding their children from hardships and concealing from them that which is immoral, is a part of what true love is, but such protection is unrealistic and of little value.
The best way to protect our children is by teaching them God’s Word (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; cf. Deuteronomy 6:1-2; Psalm 78:1-8) and training them to avoid evil influences (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
True love does not spare one from hardships (2 Corinthians 11:23-31), but helps one to overcome and conquer them (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:11-13). The child who is given everything, never becomes the responsible, mature person he or she ought to be (Hebrews 5:8-14 NIV).
The sheltered child, like a hot-house plant, is seldom able to withstand the rigors of real world challenges.
To remove all obstacles and challenges from the lives of our children, is a misguided love.
Let’s think about it!