Torch, Summer 1978

MaKimum Parenth od m r1mr1mmon1 Every father and mother needs to understand God's game-plan for Maximum Parenthood. In this article, Tim Timmons builds upon dynamic principles from the Word of God. He shows how to enjoy the special relationship between a parent and a child. I Nan interview on South African television I was asked, "What is Maximum Parenthood? Many children?" That's not exactly what I had in mind. Maximum Parenthood is a biblical game-plan for parenthood through which the parents can build a quality relationship with their child and give him a sense of responsibility. Relationship and responsibility! These two keys prepare the child for life, because life is a series of responsibilities lived out in the context of relationships. It is interesting to note that in Paul's brief statement concerning parenthood in Ephesians 6:4 he offers the same two keys for bringing up children in the Lord . He says, "Fathers, don't provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture (through a relationship) and admonition (toward responsibility) of the Lord . TIONS I The key of relationship is by far the most significant, in that it is the foundation for responsibility .If you maintain a quality relationship with your ch ild, you can blow it in areas of responsibility (discipline) and still produce a healthy child overall. But if you relate to your child only through responsibility (discipline), neglecting to build a relationship, it is extremely difficult to produce a healthy child . Rules without a relationship push the rebellion button every time! Maximum Parenthood is a game-plan balancing both relationship and responsibility, but for this article we will only discuss the foundational key of relationship . When God created the earth, He said, "This is good!" He created the plants and said, "This is good!" He created the animals and again said , "This is good!" Then he created Adam and said, "Th is is not good!" I can just hear Adam saying, "Who, me?" This is an incredible scene! Here is Adam with a good job, good employer, outstanding retirement benefits, and nice, green grass in the front lawn . In addition to this, Adam had something that we cannot have here-a perfect relationship with God! And still God said, "It is not good, Adam, that you are alone– incomplete. You need someone to complete you!" But why didn't God Himself meet Adam's need of being alone? It's very simple . God doesn't work in a vacuum . He works primarily through His Word and through people! That's why the New Testament is replete with commands and encouragements to maintain proper relationships with people. Relationships are lifetimes of growth! That's why your relationship with your child is so crucial. You are your child's primary life-line for growth into a valuable person . Exactly what is a relationship? There are several ingredients