Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
Five Keys To Balancing Home And Work To Be A Good Parent
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV).
Most, if not all, of us have a job in order to supply for the needs of our family. Hopefully you enjoy your job but at the end of the day, you are working to provide for your family. We often feel the struggle between balancing work life and family life. As such, our work may sometimes cause us to miss ball games and other events and we’ll feel guilty that we’re not being a good parent. I have gathered five keys to help you balance your home and work life and be the parent that God has called you to be.
Focus on being a Godly parent. Children are always watching their parents and they put much more importance on actions than words. One of my favorite sayings is from St. Francis of Assisi: “Speak the gospel wherever you go and use words when necessary.”
You cannot lead somebody to a place where you are not. Complete and honest self-examination is one of the most difficult things that we can do. However, it is necessary to do this so we can continue to grow in our relationship in Christ. We must continually examine and then prune ourselves. We should pray for each day to grow closer to Christ by allowing the Holy Spirit to remove more of yourself from your soul and allow more of Christ to fill the void.
Remember the First Commandment. We know that we are not to have any gods before God. However, work and home life should not be put before your spiritual life. Matthew 6:24 tells us about the dangers of trying to serve two masters.
Pray for discernment. A life out of balance is often due to us trying to lead God and not following. We can seek discernment from prayer, Christian friends, local pastor and The Bible.
Raise your children right. We all love our children, but we must be careful not to spoil them. They need to see that in our words and actions, we are putting God first, spouse second and children third. Scripture reveals that our primary responsibility is to train our children to honor God and follow His teaching. Proverbs 7:2 reads, “Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.”
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for being our Father. Help us to find balance in our lives. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
True Confession of the Heart: My Hatred Is Strong
True Confession of the Heart: My Hatred Is Strong “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them” (1 John 2:9-11 NIV). Holy Scripture encourages us to confess our sins to one another (James 5:16). I have a confession to make. I have deep... -
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
R-E-S-P-E-C-T “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV).There was a hit song in 1967 by Aretha Franklin titled “Respect.” Respect is important for both husbands and wives, and Scripture calls each partner to respect the other. Husbands are specifically called in 1 Peter 3:7 to respect their wife and are given reasons. “Husbands, also live with your wife the way you know is right. Respect her because she is a woman. She is not as strong as a man. Also respect her because God has given her, as well as you, the blessing of... -
Dealing With Anxiety: Have Faith, For ‘God Is Our Partner’
Dealing With Anxiety: Have Faith, For 'God Is Our Partner' "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). Waiting is a daily occurrence: We wait in line at the grocery store, post office or on the phone. Sometimes, we are waiting long-term for news regarding a loved one who has suddenly become ill or was in an accident. Waiting is also a part of joyous occasions such as the birth of a child or marriage....