Professionals advocate 4 main parenting styles; authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and uninvolved. These styles create a grid that accommodates stern and demanding personalities to the more distant and less responsible. Some might lobby for the stern approach while others may favor being a companion to their child/children. Regardless of the approach, it can be agreed that a good parent wants to be impactful, a positive example and know when to let go and respect decisions that may not complement their ideals – ultimately, at some point, they stop parenting but will always be a parent.
Additionally, good parents have signature trademarks – they set guides and act as a main source of support and give context to punishment. They share without reservation and can make light of difficult situations whilst grappling with reality. It could be argued that the one factor that creates a good parent is time. Shortly put, they have had more time to make the mistakes that they eventually look out for in others. Interestingly, that’s also what separates us from the ultimate parent; God.
By all means, it should be a no-brainer that God would fit the description of a ‘good parent,’ right? Unfortunately, He gets a bad rap. He’s portrayed as the big guy upstairs who issues licenses for wars, plagues, viruses and one who sincerely do not care. Somehow, He has managed to satisfy all 4 parenting styles and still look bad. How could He possibly redeem His ‘good parent’ status if He’s so bad at it?
That’s the thing, in actuality, God isn’t a good parent He’s a great parent, in fact, He’s the ‘OG Parent’ (maybe not a phrase you’ll use to describe the big man, but hear me out) only wanting the best for His children. Parents claim to know their children, providing years of observation and investment, but God knew you before you were even born (James 1:8), I say give the man some points. The beautiful thing about God is that in his apparent ‘absence’ he gave us the undisputed life hack…
He obviously does not physically live on earth and because of this, He made a free all-inclusive, 360° life hack; the bible. While this book does other things besides instruct (2 Tim 3:16), following it doesn’t guarantee a sinless living experience, heavenly tickets, or pearly gate passes. Chances are you can get those things from other sources of literature, but the bible is the ultimate ‘Best Practice Guide,’ to all you need to know while trying to figure life out. If you’re wondering why it’s the better option, this is because the author is also your father.
Parents sometimes project an almost fictitious path for their children to walk in, similarly, God doesn’t disappoint in this department. Naturally, the bible is chalk-filled with what should be eaten, how to form relationships, activities you should and shouldn’t be part of, and habits to pick up and let go. Like any parent’s ‘perfect life picture’ for their child, the bible also feels impossible to adhere to. With that said, being the better option sometime means good things don’t always come easily, or what I like to say ‘success lies beyond comfort’. The bible’s purpose is not to be a dead set of limiting rules but a liberating expression of experiences, consider that next time you’re struggling with the decision to pick it up.
So to wrap up, if that was not enough or did not make much sense, here’s the punchline – Not following a parent’s perfect plan does not automatically lead to disaster, after all, you are not your parent. But a good parent, in God’s case the OG Parent has a better idea of what your best options are in life and it shouldn’t hurt to follow your parent’s guide, in the end, that’s what matters.