Parenting by Design - March 25

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What is "the good"?

Rom. 8:28-29: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (NIV).   

What is "the good" that Paul is referring to in this passage? Many people think it means earthly blessings or freedom from suffering, but if we look carefully at the next sentence, we see that "the good" means being conformed to the likeness of Christ.

Ironically, becoming more Christ-like usually requires suffering and a loss of earthly blessings as the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and reveals our idols. If you are discouraged because you or your children don't seem to be experiencing the Christian life you hoped for, reevaluate your definition of "the good". You may discover that the very circumstances causing you distress are tools of God to conform you into Christ's image.

Real blessings are those that conform our family to the likeness of Christ.