As I look back at life, the years I raised my kids were busy, exhausting but so very important.   I worried about all the details to make sure I did right by my kid’s years from this moment.  In hindsight I figured out the most important element that is often missing as we raise our kids.

Raise kids that understand and recognize their need of a savior.  

Raise them to understand and see their weaknesses, flaws and not so pretty side of themselves.  They are wonderful people but we all if we are honest know that we have that side of us that is not so wonderful.  That side of us that seeks revenge; the person who wants to be better, prettier and the center of all attention.   Children see that part of themselves also and to deny it to them is confusing to their true sense of self.

Raise your kids to see that part of themselves and realize how to deal with it.  Realize that they need the Lord’s forgiveness of their secret, honest side of themselves.  We cannot be perfect, loving, kind and Christlike by nature.  It takes God’s forgiveness and the Holy Spirit working through us to live a Christlike life.

When we raise our kids to be perfect and amazing because they are so able within their own abilities. They become one of two things: self-righteous or defeated, without hope of living up to their parents’ expectations.  Both responses are a block to God’s potential and blessings in their lives.  A huge wall that is built up to a warm, personal relationship with the most amazing person they will ever meet in their lives.

Children can be amazing, Christlike people but need to be directed to the cross for that power to be tapped into to live up to the bar of Christlikeness.