1 Chronicles 22:5–6: “Now David said, ‘Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it.’ So David made abundant preparations before his death. Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel.”

September 10th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

King David realized he needed to “make preparations” for the temple he was leaving for his son to build. Many have observed that while he prepared things, he failed to prepare his son Solomon. Being a good parent is more than taking care of material needs. Working to provide a good home, food, and clothes, isn’t the most important point. It’s also more than just teaching children to “Do as I say!” What a parent actually does, speaks much louder than any words they might say. Being a good parent means being deeply committed to the Lord and clearly living out your life with Him daily in front of your kids. It means admitting your mistakes and asking your kids for forgiveness when you fail in front of them. It means not being a bigger-than-life hero but a real-life parent, who stumbles, falls, and repents.

David was correct in giving his kid a dream and a vision that was bigger than himself. Good parents give their kids a purpose in life that is bigger than getting married, having a nice home, and then retiring. Every kid needs an opportunity to discover their own God-given talents and strengths. It is a parent’s job to help them try out various areas to see where they excel, and then find ways to help them grow in that area. But parents are not to live vicariously through or push their kids, like some “little-league parents” do.

During the 400-meter semifinal of the 1992 Summer Olympics, British runner Derek Redmond tore a hamstring and fell to the track. He struggled to his feet and began to hobble. His father ran from the stands to help him off the track, but the athlete refused to quit; he was determined to complete the race. He leaned on his father, and the two limped to the finish line together, amid deafening applause. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).

“LORD, help us to leave a good legacy for those coming after us, in Jesus’ name.”