What is true successful parenting?

1/3/11 Numbers 28-29; Mark 8

S: Mark 8:14-21 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "Twelve," they replied. "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven." He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"

O: The disciples were mired in worrying about temporal things when Jesus was trying to bring them to a higher level and teach them deeper spiritual values.

A: This echoes what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34 about not worrying so much about food and drink but to seek first His Kingdom, and trust that God will provide.

As middle-classed Chinese Malaysian Christians, sometimes we’re too “middle classed Chinese Malaysian” and not Christian enough. At a recent Chinese New Year gathering of Christians, during the Yee Sang they were doing the traditional blessing for the children, that they may do well in school and get good jobs, etc. when I chipped in, “And that they may be sold out for Jesus and become missionaries to Africa, etc.!” and people looked at me amazed.

If our children grow up to become successful business people or scholars, etc. but abandon the Lord, we have failed in our jobs as parents! But if they never go to university, but are totally sold out for Jesus, if they never earn much money but live a life that draws many to Him, if they become penniless missionaries in Nigeria or wherever, then they would really be successful in the eternal perspective!

P: Father, my children are still so young, and I can say this now in theory. Let me have the faith to say this still when push comes to shove.