There are times when every parent wonders if they are failing. Their children just don’t obey. They don’t seem to exhibit godliness. And they frequently act selfishly. Fortunately, I know there’s hope — because I’ve been there too.

When my children were growing up, their lack of judgment often disappointed me. I would have to tell them repeatedly that they are to serve others with joy. I taught them that tithing is a privilege. And I showed them that intimacy with God is cultivated by hours spent in prayer and bible study.

When they made mistakes I would remind them of their privileged upbringing in a Christian home. It was a home where their parents truly were committed to the Lord and each other. I was quick to tell them that their father and I had prayed for them since before they were conceived and every day after throughout their lives.

We faithfully took them to church, Vacation Bible School, we home educated, and ended each day in family devotions. So, I would ask myself, why aren’t they more godly, less selfish, and much wiser? Why don’t they have a passion for God, like I do?

It was in my quiet times with the Lord that the answer came:

The issue is not about my doing it “right.”
The issue is the heart, which is always a work of God’s grace.

Growing in grace and in Christ is a process that takes time. Our impatience with our children’s spiritual growth shows our own immaturity and lack of dependence on God.

In studying the Word of God, my own soul was freed from the disappointment that I felt in childrearing. The Lord had shown me my own heart as I pointed out my children’s faults. We love to receive grace, yet we are often stingy in giving grace to others.

Once I pulled the log out of my own eye, I was then free to wait on God to finish the work He had begun. After all, He’s the only one who can complete the work in my children’s lives. Oh, I was still doing all the good things I had done before, but now the burden was lifted off my shoulders and placed at the feet of Christ. It truly is amazing grace!!!!!! Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. (Ps 127:1Ps 127:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
127 A Song of Ascents. By Solomon. ¹ Unless Yahweh builds the house, They labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, The watchman guards it in vain.

Source: WisdomsEdge.com