Duty or Delight?

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Psalm 51:16-17 NLT

My deepest longing as a parent is for my kids to love God with their lives. I’m convinced everything else falls into place—somewhere, somehow—if He has their hearts. I want them to obey Jesus because it delights them, not because it’s their duty. I want them to know in the marrow of their bones why they make the good choices they make—as opposed to knowing why they should.

I also know my kids need to see me living this way: free because of God’s favor. I need to be sure I’ve found the why that underpins my worldview and all my ways, never trapped by habit or obligation but energized by God’s splendid love.