Matthew 6:19-21, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT), “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
Through much adversity, she dedicated her life to instilling a sense of Christian destiny into each one of them. Suzanna had sixteen rules that she laid down in her home in order to honor God and instill discipline into her children’s lives. And after seeing the fruit of her labor produce children like John and Charles- who changed the world through discipleship, I hope to do the same.
After reading her rules I felt very refreshed and focused on the important task that God has given to me in raising my children- making disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is a list of rules that I have compiled from Suzanna’s list as well as some rules I have implemented from my own child-rearing routine. I pray you are blessed and refreshed as much as I was.
- Practice Scripture memorization everyday.
- As children they are to be in bed by 8 p.m.
- They are required to take medicine without complaining.
- Subdue self-will in a child, to save the child’s soul.
- Teach a child to pray as soon as they can speak.
- Require all children to be still during family devotions.
- Give them nothing that they cry for, and only that when asked for politely.
- To prevent lying, punish no fault, which is first confessed and repented of.
- Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished.
- Choices should be limited until at least the preteen years. (ex: clothing chosen for attire for the child, should not be complained about by the child.)
- Commend and reward good behavior.
- Children should ask for permission before leaving the kitchen table.
- Strictly observe all promises made to the children.
- Teach children to fear the rod.
- Whining is not allowed under any circumstances.
- Children are to help with chores around the house at a young age to learn importance of responsibility.