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Welcome back to the Lead Your Family Like Jesus Book Club. We're discussing Part 1 today. That includes chapters 1, 2, and 3.
Part 1 is all about the heart. I feel like this section is best summed up by this quote from the intro to the section:
“If you don't get the heart right, you simply won't become a parent who leads like Jesus.”
Wow. That's so true. We must examine our hearts. I have to determine if I am “motivated by self-interest or by the betterment of those I'm leading.”
Chapter 1 – Eternal Perspective
The first heart check is to have an eternal perspective. Am I focusing on the temporary or the eternal? It is imperative that we hold onto things loosely while we cherish people. Even more though, if we want something good to happen, we need a plan. We need structure. That structure will look different in every family, but we must be intentional. As the saying goes, if you aim at nothing, you'll hit nothing.
Chapter 2 – Be Humble
Pride and fear are two of the biggest problems we face as parents. When I let my “ego” take control, I am Edging God Out. I have to constantly check my heart for my true motives and goals. Our kids can see when we edge God out and they begin to do the same. I need to know the areas in my life where pride and fear try to take control of my life. When I know what those areas are, I can give up control and trust God instead of myself.
Chapter 3 – Focus on God
Instead of edging God out, let ego instead drive us to “exalt God only.” We have to be God focused.
“Any time we pay more attention to our own pride or egos, we're worshipping ourselves rather than God.”
One problem is that we focus too much on ourselves. Those who are truly humble are not putting themselves down, they just focus less on themselves. The way to do this is to “altar” our egos. This means laying myself before God, giving things to him, and taking the spotlight off of me.
“True worship requires that my eyes are on God, not on others.”
Just as detrimental is to compare ourselves to others. This horizontal thinking allows others to drive our self-worth rather than God. Our kids can see this too. They know if I'm trying to do something to please or get the attention of someone else. One of two things happens. Either my children do the exact opposite of what I want them to do or they head down the dangerous path of trying to impress others over worshipping God.
Your Turn!
What were your favorite thoughts and quotes from Part 1? What did God show you as you read? Share with us in the comments!
It's not too late to jump into the book club. You can get your FREE printable journal and all of the details about the book club here in this post. We're reading Part 2 and chapters 4, 5, and 6 this week. Christin will be leading the discussion on Part 2 next Wednesday at Joyful Mothering. We're so glad you're reading and learning to lead your family like Jesus with us!
Note: I'm reading from the Kindle version of Lead Your Family Like Jesus so I'm unable to give you page numbers for the quotes in this post.
Material Disclosure: Trica Goyer provided me with a free copy of Lead Your Family Like Jesus in exchange for promoting summer reading.
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Ok I am a little behind. Life took me off course. I finally read the first three chapters and wow. Things I never thought were prideful and fear driven I was doing. I sat there and asked God to change me. To help me stay focused on Him so I can break that dysfunctional cycle of my family. With God I know it is possible. I just need to remember it won’t happen overnight when I have years of dysfunction in me. So I will work on this with the strength of God.