The trinity as a parenting model

By Josh Reighley on January 5, 2006 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments ()

I had a brainstorm yesterday regarding the Trinity as a parenting model.

The Heavenly Father provided the world that we live in, and all that we need for life. He set out the law, guiding us in how we should live. His integrity is unwavering. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He disciplines us when we rebel.

The Son, was willing to sacrifice everything in order to bring us into a right relationship with God. He loves us even when where are unworthy.

The Holy Spirit Lives within each of us , guiding and strengthening us.

In a traditional family the role of the father corresponds with the example laid out by the Heavenly Father. He sets the standards for the family. He enforces the rules, he provides. (See Hebrews 12:7-11)

The mother should follow the model of the Jesus. (See Romans 5:8-11) Affirming the authority of the father, but loving the children even as they are. She is the source of abundant Grace. She is the healer. Her job is to encourage the children to strive for righteousness, believing in them and supporting them each day as if they where a new creation. As Christ Reconciles us with God, A mother should reconcile her children with their father.

The child will accept or reject the teachings and the examples that the parents have given him. The legacy of our interaction with our children corresponds with the role of the Holy Spirit. (See John 16:7-11) They have to choose to accept our influence in order to benefit long term. If they do, they will have our counsel to guide them on their journey even after we have departed.

Without all three parts, the system doesn't work all that well. If the parents provide a model of righteousness, but do not show grace, the child will be discouraged based on their failures. The will feel rejected by their parents, and will seek approval elsewhere.

On the other hand if you accept your children as they are, and do not challenge them to become more righteous, they will be undriven, and unguided. They must understand their shortcomings in order to recognize the true value of your love.

In the end, the child has to do their part as well. All of the best teaching in the world is useless if it is ignored, just as God's gift of salvation only helps those who choose to believe.

I suspect this parenting model would work very well, and I intend to implement it to the best of my ability within my family. It is quite a challenge though. I am not unwavering in my integrity. I cannot provide like God provides. We do keep a record of wrongs. I may not be able to love in quite the same way as God loves, but I still believe that my attempt will make my children have a better understanding of who He is.

Comments

I had a brainstorm yesterday regarding the Trinity as a parenting model. The Heavenly Father provided the world that we live in, and all that we need for life. He set out the law, guiding us in how we should live. His integrity is unwavering. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He disciplines us when we rebel. The Son, was willing to sacrifice everything in order to bring us into a right relationship with God. He loves us even when where are unworthy. The Holy Spirit Lives within each of us , guiding and strengthening us. In a traditional family the role of the father corresponds with the example laid out by the Heavenly Father. He sets the standards for the family. He enforces the rules, he provides. (See Hebrews 12:7-11) The mother should follow the model of the Jesus. (See Romans 5:8-11) Affirming the authority of the father, but loving the children even as they are. She is the source of abundant Grace. She is the healer. Her job is to encourage the children to strive for righteousness, believing in them and supporting them each day as if they where a new creation. As Christ Reconciles us with God, A mother should reconcile her children with their father. The child will accept or reject the teachings and the examples that the parents have given him. The legacy of our interaction with our children corresponds with the role of the Holy Spirit. (See John 16:7-11) They have to choose to accept our influence in order to benefit long term. If they do, they will have our counsel to guide them on their journey even after we have departed. Without all three parts, the system doesn't work all that well. If the parents provide a model of righteousness, but do not show grace, the child will be discouraged based on their failures. The will feel rejected by their parents, and will seek approval elsewhere. On the other hand if you accept your children as they are, and do not challenge them to become more righteous, they will be undriven, and unguided. They must understand their shortcomings in order to recognize the true value of your love. In the end, the child has to do their part as well. All of the best teaching in the world is useless if it is ignored, just as God's gift of salvation only helps those who choose to believe. I suspect this parenting model would work very well, and I intend to implement it to the best of my ability within my family. It is quite a challenge though. I am not unwavering in my integrity. I cannot provide like God provides. We do keep a record of wrongs. I may not be able to love in quite the same way as God loves, but I still believe that my attempt will make my children have a better understanding of who He is.