Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
God wants us to raise our children with the love and teachings of Jesus. God has given parents the responsibility of developing the human soul. In other words, parents are given the task of developing the mind, will, and emotions of a child in a healthy environment. The greatest role model a child will ever have is a parent of the same gender. And the best example of cross gender interaction will come from the parent of their opposite sex.
Researchers believe that by age 9 or 10 most children have developed their moral compass and personality, however, some of the most important years are between ages 2-3. Therefore, good parenting is not only good for the child, but is a command from God! There is no greater job than that of being a godly parent- what the child becomes and the role they will play in society depends on it.
With this great God-given responsibility in mind Jesus said concerning parenting in Matthew 18:6, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Basically, Jesus was saying that it would be better to kill yourself than to harm a child.
Therefore, here are some great ways to insure your children are raised in the ways of God, (1) Model genuine Christian love in the home- discipleship starts with the parents, (2) As soon as your children can talk teach them to pray, (3) Have consistent compassionate discipline so they can learn right from wrong, (4) Always keep them involved in the church’s children’s ministries- don’t let school or sports take its place.
(5) Have a time of family prayer every day, (6) Make family dinners a priority as much as possible, (7) Demonstrate forgiveness and compassion by letting them know when you make mistakes, (8) Once they can read teach them to read the Bible daily, (9) Help them understand to love others as themselves, (10) Encourage their salvation, baptism, and church involvement as they get older, (11) Stay involved in their school, hobbies, and friends. Lastly, (12) Pray for them and guard them from making bad choices, placing things above God, and having the wrong friends.
Remember, if we expect our kids to honor us as their father or mother, then let us live honorable lives in front of them!
Reflection
Action
- Repent if you have not raised your kids right in the eyes of God.
- Study God’s Word and raise your children with the fear and admonition (teaching) of the Lord, Ephesians 6:4.
- Ask God daily in prayer to bless and protect them, to comfort and love them, and fulfill His purpose in their lives.
