When we fail to live up to the standards of behaviour our children deserve to see in us, it is better to admit it – to ourselves and to them, says Rob Parsons

One of the most vital tasks of any parent is to allow their children to see them fail. When our kids are young they think we are brighter than their teachers, prettier than their heroines and even holier than the vicar. But as they get older they see the cracks appear. And after they have realised that we are not the clever, handsome or holy people they used to believe we were, they also discover that some of the other stuff about us is not so attractive either.

They catch us being moody or wrongly angry over some minor issue. They hear some bad language or see a materialistic streak that doesn’t suit a disciple of the carpenter too well. As we try to follow Christ we aim high for holiness, for compassion, for grace and love.

And often we fail. At such times, it is very tempting to slip on a mask that makes others think we have attained those things – perhaps even to try to convince ourselves that we have. But it’s not wise – or necessary.

This is an extract from the May 2011 issue of Reform.

Subscribe to Reform

Related articles:

1. Carla Grosch-Miller: Virtuous profit
2. Invincible hope
3. Lost in no translation
4. In mind of the dead and the unborn
5. Jesus – centre point of history

Follow @Reform_Mag