The intentional parent

Growing up, my parents went out of their way to make sure we were constantly placed in environments that promoted healthy spiritual growth. 

As children, we regularly attended church functions and services, sometimes up to four times a week.  

And because that was an established culture for most families we knew, we children were totally all right with it. I certainly value the positive influence that has had on my life.   

Now that I'm a parent, I challenge myself to promote the same environment for my children.  

Though now, it certainly is much different than attending multiple church functions in one short time frame.  

 

As parents we can be creative and intentional about how we promote that Godly influence. I found that even simple casual conversations at home can lead to thought-provoking spiritual lessons. We can take initiative on setting their thoughts on the things of God.

 

For instance, for some time now, the girls have been very into putting together complex jigsaw puzzles. Because it's an activity they enjoy, I don’t need to work hard to compete for their attention. Conversations simply naturally flow.

 

As I was studying certain biblical texts from the life of Jacob, I found that Jacob too had to learn to be very intentional about promoting Godly influence.  

 

God began to speak to Jacob while he was still living with his uncle Laban. 

 

 

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.” 

 

 

God prompts Jacob to return to the place where he first encounters God. 

Shortly after, Jacob gathers his family, packs his bags and begins to make his way back to his home country.  

 

Upon his arrival, he  casualy decides to settle near a city called Shechem. The Bible states he purchased a plot of land from Shechem’s father.  

But Jacob couldn't stay comfortable for too long. Unfortunately, careless living at Shechem brought Jacob much grief.  

For soon after, the same prince Shechem he befriends, defiles his daughter Dinah.  

The Bible says she went out to visit the daughters of that land.

 

While she was hanging out with her newfound friends, the unthinkable happened. Prince Shechem forcefully sleeps with Dinah.  

 

Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and settle there. Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 

 

God again prompts Jacob, take your family and go to Bethel. Return to the place where you first encountered me. Seek after my presence.  

This time Jacob takes God’s prompting very seriously. He tells his family to prepare and seek after the Lord. 

You see, we can teach our children to be well mannered and become good people. But it takes intentionality to make them children after God.

Jacob took initiative as a parent and became very intentional about bringing his family to the place where they too can encounter God. 

 

So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, … (Ge. 35:2 BSB)