Two weeks ago, from Proverbs 1, we highlighted the importance not just of parents pursuing their youth (certainly that’s crucial and central), but also of youth pursuing their parents. It’s important that, as a youth, you not simply passively wait for the instruction and teaching of your parents, but that you’re actively pursuing their help as well. Below are the questions we provided to help youth (and parents) in this way. I would urge our youth to use these questions (or similar ones) to benefit from the counsel, wisdom and care of your parents on a regular basis. Thanks for being youth who love the wisdom and instruction of your parents!
QUESTIONS FOR TEENS TO ASK PARENTS
- Where do you see me growing in my relationship with the Lord?
- Based on my conversations and enthusiasm, what would you say I most passionate about? Do you think my priorities reflect Matthew 6:33 that I am seeking first the kingdom of God in my life? In what specific ways would you encourage me to make my relationship with God the highest priority in my life? How would you recommend I pursue growth in my relationship with God?
- Where do you see God at work in my life?
- Have you observed any patterns of sin in my relationships with friends, my relationship with you, or my pursuit of the world that you have been trying to bring to my attention? How well do I respond to you, when you try to bring these questions/concerns to me?
- As you observe my life, is there one particular area that you would say I need to grow in? Can you please share with me examples of where you have noticed this and also help me with a plan to change?
- On a scale of 0-10 (10 = humble and diligent, 0 = independent and defensive), how diligently and humbly do I pursue your correction and counsel? What kind of questions should I be asking and what situations would you like to see me pursuing you regarding any area in my life?
- Do you think that I value your wisdom more than my friend’s opinions? Can you share with me examples of how I am valuing my friend’s opinions too highly? Can you share with me examples of where I am appropriately valuing your wisdom more than my friends?
- Do you have any concerns for me in regards to my choice of companions? Where do you see me being influenced and where would you see me being an influencer?
- How would you describe my attitude toward your authority? In what ways have I grown in showing you and mom my respect? In what ways would you like to see growth in the area of honoring and respecting my parents, and/or other authorities in my life?
- Have I sinned against you in any way and not sought forgiveness?
- How can I grow in serving the family? Is there one person in the family (dad/mom/sibling) that I need to be more intentional with in regards to serving?
(these questions are from a youth meeting at Covenant Life Church – see http://www.covlife.org/ourlife/youth for audio resources related to the above)
