We have determined that in order to help their children, parents must
first make a heart change of their own.
Making the decision to make a heart change can seem very simple on the
surface.
And, I believe that it is simple, but paradoxically, complex usually
goes hand in hand with the simple.
During this process, the most important thing we need to remember is
who we are doing this for. It is for God’s glory. It is for God’s joy. It is so
He can be pleased with us.
When Jesus was baptized, a white dove appeared. The windows of heaven
opened up. Matthew 3:17: “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I
love, with him I am well pleased.’”
I pray that this is what is in our hearts, to please God.
Unfortunately, as humans, we can get caught up in consumer Christianity. I
learned the term Consumer Christianity from Brian Zahn at Word of Life Church
in St. Joseph, Missouri. It means that we treat God like an ATM machine. When
we find ourselves in a time of crisis, we simply take the God card to the ATM
and get what we need.
I firmly believe that we cannot out give God. I doubt that God blesses
us if our motive for giving is to receive. To have a heart change and serve
others takes sacrifice. When we do this, God is pleased. When we do this,
others benefit.
Remember it is not for our glory. It is for God’s glory. It is for
God’s joy. It is so He can be pleased with us.
***
Ken Thom, MS, LPC is a nationally recognized Christian counselor and
writer. He is available for parent and individual coaching. Ken is a Post
Institute Certified Family Regulatory Therapist, Certified Coach and Great
Behavior Breakdown Instructor as well as a certified BCI parent trainer. Ken's
book Christian Parent Wisdom is a daily scripture based medication book for parenting
children with challenging behaviors. Contact Ken.
