There is a difference between having control and building up.
Parental authority based on control leads to manipulation, domination, and failed relationships.
Parental authority that is based on building up takes time, requires dependence on God’s power and leads to lasting, deepening relationships.
Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:10 says that God gave him authority for building up and not for tearing down. This is important. As a parent you want to do far more than simply control your children.
Control can be achieved in many ways. Here are just a few examples:
- Manipulation. Do what I ask and you can have a special dessert or your can go to the big game next week.
- Intimidation. “Do what I want if you know what is good for you.”
- Emotional ploys. “It hurts me so much to see you argue, please stop so we can have peace.”
- Power plays. “I am your parent, I am in control. You answer to me.”
- Threats. “If you don’t come right now, no videos for a week.”
- Anger. “If you would behave, I wouldn’t get angry. “
Building up is achieved by actively engaging in the spiritual battle for the souls of your children. You understand that your authority is given to you by God so that in every situation you can point your children to the wonder of Christ.
You do this by using God’s instruction and discipline:
You listen well, so that your children know they have been heard and understood.
You use pleasant words, even when correction and discipline is required. You always let your children know they need the power of Christ to obey in the Lord.
You make God the final authority, and not yourself. You do this by constantly referencing his word.
Your house rules focus on keeping God’s commands and not your own preferences.
When your children sin against you your response is one of compassion rather than hurt.
You are more happy to see repentance than you are to see performance.
Your goal is draw your children closer to Christ.
Building up or having control, what is your goal?
2 thoughts on “It’s Not About Control”
Is there any more of a “how to” out there to get to be the parent I want to be?
You can go to Shepherdpress.com/blog and search for posts on parenting, love, communications and many other topics for more specifics. For more comprehensive thoughts check out Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Instructing a Child’s Heart, Get Wisdom! and many other titles that are available at Shepherd Press. Thanks for your comment.