Parenting as a Platform
Parenting provides some of the best platforms to teach about God’s character. My spiritual mentor, who is himself single, often reminds me that God created the family structure to teach us about His love for us and to understand, as God’s children, how we are to love and treat one another. Our earthly families are a reflection of the family we belong to with God as our parent. There are so many ways in which the dynamics of our eternal family are played out in the everyday interactions of our earthly families.
A few weeks ago I was in Atlanta with my son to visit a college campus that he will be attending this fall. After our visit, my son wanted to drive the car as we headed back to the place we were staying at for the night. We got on the freeway and were in a serious conversation about the reasons to consider going to this college. We were in the HOV lane and my son went above the speed limit for what seemed like a few minutes before a police officer pulled us over for speeding. After checking my son’s license, the officer asked me for my license. She came back a few minutes later and said that she would give the ticket to me, instead of my son, since he is sixteen years old. The law states that if the driver is under seventeen and is driving the car with one of the parents seated in the car, the parent may be ticketed for the child’s driving in an unlawful manner.
I was happy to take the blame and ensure a clean driving record for my son as he begins his driving record. More than that, I was glad that we had an opportunity to talk about my substitution for him. Imagine talking to a young man who is about to go to college and feels strong, able and independent that his parent can and will gladly shield him from the consequences of an error. It was a great opportunity to talk about the price that God the Father paid for our sins by substituting for us as He died on the cross on which we should have been crucified.
I am reminded of the verse, “Jesus substituted for us on the cross: He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Do you see your role in your family as a platform to impact those you love?
Share ThisAbout Ministry Platforms
Every one of us who is involved in ministry today work from the platforms available to us. Some utilize business, others medicine, and still others education. Platforms are powerful connection points but they must be used wisely and for the right reasons. This blog is designed to help you understand the platforms that you have access to and how to connect with people for Kingdom purposes through those platforms. We look forward to interacting with you about this key topic.
Joseph Vijayam - Managing Director of Olive Technology
Joseph Vijayam manages the company’s overall business planning and corporate strategy. Prior to founding Olive, he served as the Chief Executive of Matrix Computer Consultancy, India. He earned a B.S. with highest honors in Computer Science from Biola University, CA, USA, and an MBA in Information Systems from Georgia State University, GA, USA. Along with his focus on global IT solutions, Joseph has years of experience in Christian ministry around the world and is an advocate in the Business as Mission movement that is striving to engage people everywhere through various business platforms.
