Life is full of an unending list of things to do with and for our children, as well as countless material things for them to delight in. What governs and guides our engagement in these things? Why do we (or don’t we) participate in certain activities? Why do we or don’t we provide certain things? With respect to activities and possessions, the cultural assumption can simply be “the more, the better”. In that environment, a parent may allow their task to be reduced to the role of activity director while they work to prevent their children from ever feeling bored, or to simply delight in their delight in possessions.

However, successful parenting isn’t simply filling our children’s lives with activities and possessions. We must remember that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” and allow this goal to govern and guide our choices regarding what we have and what we do. Godly parents and godly churches will either say “yes” or “no” to activities and possessions, in order to teach our children to live in reference to God and reinforce the fundamental reality that only in Him will our souls be truly satisfied.