"In the Beginning"

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”  Genesis 1:1-2

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:1-2

I thought the best place to start this new blog is in the beginning.  Genesis 1 gives us an account of creation, including a day of rest - Day 7.  Over the years, I’ve taught this story many times.  Often times, however, we get so interested in what was created on which day, that we miss something important.  From the beginning, God wanted to be in relationship with us.  God created everything and then gave it to Adam and Eve to take care of.  He provided EVERYTHING that they needed to live.  They did not have a care in the world.  They could enjoy the garden and the presence of God each and every day.  He was right there with them – in the garden.   Nothing to worry about and nothing to do, except talk with Him, and, of course, take care of His creation. 

We all know what happened next.  Eve was tempted by the snake and ate the forbidden apple.  The very one that God said not to eat.  Then, she gave it to Adam who also ate.  From then on, God’s story is about bringing us back into a deep relationship with Him.  The one He authored from the very beginning. 

So what does this have to do with parenting?  I have come to learn as a mom of adult children that my relationship with God is the most important thing I need to focus on as a parent.  Paul helps the Roman church to understand this in Chapter 12:1-2:  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 

Our goal as a parent should be to live into God’s will for our lives.  This includes our roles as parents.  Unfortunately, as a parent, we have so much to juggle in today’s world.  However, the busyness isn’t what God ever intended.  For Him, it is very simple.  He does not want us to conform to the pattern of this world.  Rather, He wants us to be transformed to be more like Him.  After all, Genesis does tell us that we were created in His image.

In order to do this, we must be in our Bibles every day and talking with God about everything. We have to carve out time for Him and include Him in everything – our decisions and just our everyday moments.  We need to be seeking His wisdom and not the world’s wisdom.  We must abide in Him and surrender every aspect of our lives to Him, as well as the lives of our children.  Only then, can we begin to truly become the parents He desires us to be.

God is waiting.  Let’s go back to the beginning together!  Let me also say this. . it is not a one time thing. . it is an every second, every minute, every day kind of “going back.”  Let’s surrender to Him.  Only then, can we glorify Him through our roles as parents!

See you next time, on the front porch!

Mrs. Teresa