Did you know that the word "Piggyback" is an expression that has no solid origin? It is thought that two words, "Pick Pack," brought about the saying in the late 1500s, and referred to being "carried by a horse." Variations have since changed into what we know today as "Piggyback."
Ironically it has nothing to do with a pig, because a pig does not carry its young on its back! There are quite a few animals that do.
The Mute Swan happens to be one of them. Swans are known for their monogamy and the fierce protection of their young. Their babies, called "cygnets," have a behavior called "backriding." The parent will cover the cygnets with their large wings, giving the young a very warm, comfortable, and protected ride. The animal kingdom has so much to teach parents.
First of all, there is an instinctual nature about a parent. We know our child apart from any other, and there is a desire within us to love and protect our children.
Second, we have an exemplary nature about us, in that we lead our children by example, and they will mimic what they see us do.
Thirdly, there is a release. Animal parents will raise their young until they have reached a mature age and can survive on their own.
Most of us as parents fall in line with those three points. We protect, we teach and then we let go. But, there are those parents who are quite the opposite. The "hyper-involved" parent that invests in extended parental care. It happens in nature as much as it happens in humans. And just like young animals, our children have to learn the difference between receiving care and being fully independent, because the benefit of "extended parenting" always comes with a cost.
In the wild, those young who rely on their parent for protection and food will never survive on their own. They will always lack what they need beyond what their parent can give. That is a statement that we as Christian parents need to be very aware of.
Can I tell you today that concerning the spiritual nature of our children, one of the greatest obstacles that they face is the "backriding, hyper-involved, extended parenting," parent. The relationship between our children and God has to be intimate and personal. It is not held together by our parental ties or influence.
Once a child has reached the age where they can understand and choose faith in God, there is no more "umbrella of protection." Their eternal future is based upon their own choice to follow Christ, and not the personal faith of their parents.
Many people today fully believe that they will "piggyback" their way into heaven based on their parent's relationship with God. "My parents were Christians. I grew up in a Christian household, so we went to church." That's wonderful, but that doesn't secure your future. There is no personal choice. There is no commitment or relationship. There is no salvation.
God's word tells us that "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10) There will be no "backriding" the faith of others to enter heaven.
There is only the clear salvation message of personal faith in Christ Jesus alone that makes the way.
