October 14, 2015

If you never hear another of my sermons make sure you don’t miss this Sunday’s message! This will be one of the most practical and helpful messages I have shared about parenting. I will challenge you with three courageous decisions facing parents who wish to Raise Home Run Kids. Yesterday I posted the first courageous decision: To Guide Your Child’s Heart.

Today I share the second courageous decision: Don’t Carry Your Kid’s Load.

^“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:2-5

The apparent contradiction – “carry each other’s burden – BUT – carry own load” – WHAT?

Here’s the answer:

Both of these words in the Greek are shipping terms……

“LOAD” = THE SHIP’S CAPACITY

“BURDEN” = A SHIP OVERLOADED

A ship is usually loaded to its capacity. When it is filled to its capacity a ship can carry its load. But if it is overloaded or if the load shifts it is endangered on the sea. It will send out a distress signal and the nearest ship will come alongside to help relieve its burden.

You have a load to carry, I have a load to carry, you are not called to carry my load nor am I called to carry your load. But occasionally you get overloaded and I need to come along side and help carry your burden. You are to do the same for me!

This is what you are called to do for your kid and his parent. You are NOT to carry his load but you SHOULD be available to come along side in those rare times he may be overloaded.

A KEY ROLE OF A PARENT IS TO WORK WITH GOD TO INCREASE YOUR KID’S CAPACITY FOR CARRYING THE LOAD OF HIS LIFE. THAT TAKES COURAGE BECAUSE THE HEART OF A PARENT WANTS TO CARRY THAT LOAD FOR YOUR KID.

CAPACITY IS INCREASED BY THE CHALLENGES LIFE BRINGS!

Maturity = increasing your capacity for load carrying

ATTENTION KIDS: You may want your parents to carry your load but you shouldn’t expect them to. If you allow your parents to “rescue you” and carry your load you will hurt yourself by remaining dependent upon them. What comforts you now will only cripple you later.

• JOB/CAREER – If you can’t carry your work load in your workplace during your career you will lose your job!
• RELATIONSHIP/MARRIAGE - If you don't carry your own load in a relationship you will not have a healthy relationship!
• SPIRITUALITY/CHURCH - If you don't carry your load God won't be able to use you or cause you to grow!

LEARN TO CARRY YOUR OWN LOAD!

You may be wondering, what is my load? What is my kid’s load?

INFANT STAGE

Parent’s Load – To create an environment of love, security and a

Kid’s Load – To be loved, blessed and secure

TODDLER/PRESCHOOL

Parent’s Load – To create a climate of consequence

Kid’s Load – To learn respect and obedience

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS

Parent’s Load – To create an environment of personal responsibility and achievement.

Kid’s Load – To manage increasingly complex calendar, workload and relationships

Examples:

·         Who is responsible to make sure your kid gets to the bus stop on time in the morning?

·         Who is responsible to make sure homework assignments and deadlines are clear?

·         Who is responsible to complete homework assignments on time as assigned?

Key Question From Parent To Kid – What are you going to do about it?

TEEN YEARS

Parent’s Load – To create an environment of openness and acceptance.

Kid’s Load – To develop a healthy identity larger than the family.

Parents, if you do the previous stages well this stage can be a joy, if not and if you have to play catch up this stage will be difficult.

YOUNG ADULT YEARS AND BEYOND

Parent’s Load – To create an environment of honor

Kid’s Load – To set a healthy trajectory for life

It is during these years your kid will make the three major life decisions

MASTER – Who will I serve?

MISSION – What will I do with my life?

MATE – Who will I share my life with?

What stage of life does your kid find himself right now?

What courageous decision(s) must you make?