Often we seem bent on ensuring that the next generation will have a better life than did the preceding generations – the ability to live “the good life.” But we define that life as the presence of comfort and secuity combined with the abasence of hardship and disappointment. Well-intentioned parents often try to buy experiences and environments that foster a soft and satisfying lifestyle for their progeny.
In contrast, a biblical understanding of “the good life” is one that provides and exploits opportunities in order to experience, obey and serve God and other people. The existence of difficulties, failures and even persecution are not so much indicators of failures as they are events that build character and test our resolve to know, love and serve God. If life is primarily about our participatin in a spiritual battle, then we must expect to encounter trials and pitfalls.
Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by George Barna (p. 27)
Seeing our children experience difficulties is probably the hardest thing for a parent. We would rather take on the suffering ourselves if it were possible. Protecting our children is a natural instinct. But too often, as Barna aptly pointed out, parents put comfort and security above all else. They teach their children, both consciously and subconsciously, that getting a good job, settling down, enjoying the material goods of this world is the goal in life.
I see this conflict in the contradictory way I pray for my children. My first prayer is that they would grow up to love God and serve God. I know that ultimately, that is the only thing that matters. Yet, I also pray for God to ease their pain, to take away problems, to make them happy. Can God answer the first prayer without allowing trials in their lives? I know it would not be true in my own life, why would I expect it to be different for my children? Do I think there is a shortcut for spiritual growth for them? Oh, I wish there was.
So I pray that with every trial we face, God will work it for good and accomplish a greater work in their lives.