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?