So what is the role of parents in our children's lives. Well, from a child's perspective it's pretty clear: Whenever parents see their children having fun, they are driven to stop it. I would like to think parenting involves more than that.

When we first got our son (he was adopted), my wife and I thought that we would be the perfect parents raising the perfect child. It didn't take long to figure out that this lofty goal was simply unattainable. 

At this point, my philosophy took a radical shift. I decided that my new goal was to raise kids with as little damage as possible.

Then I ran into an old friend of mine who I hadn't seen for years. We went for coffee and our topic of conversation eventually turned to kids. I explained how my goal in child rearing had changed over the years, to which Richard summed up his child rearing philosophy with the statement: "I'd just be happy, if they didn't go to jail!"

As Christian parents, I think many of us need to rid ourselves of the notion that we will raise perfect kids. The old sin nature has basically destroyed any hope of accomplishing that goal. But nevertheless, child rearing is extremely important.

Importance of Child rearing

When you look at a corporation like General Motors, you realize that over the years, people have worked, grown old, retired, died and been replaced by younger workers. 

But despite these changes, the business has not missed a beat.  

God looks at the church in much the same way. While we focus on the here and now, God is looking ahead to future. Who will be the leaders in the Kingdom of God in the next decade or the next half century. Who will be the teachers and pastors twenty years from now. God is not only planning for today, but He is actively strategizing far into the future. 

That future involves your children.

In order for God to accomplish His future goals, He desires a generation of children who won't have the hang-ups of their parents. For my part, I spun my wheels for 25 years as God dealt with issues in my life. However, God desires a generation of spiritual warriors who are ready for battle immediately.

With this in mind, I want to first share three foundational principles that govern my approach to child rearing. They are principles that find their roots in Genesis 1:26, 27 where God said at Creation, "Let us create man in our image and likeness."