Monday, April 5, 2010

Raising Godly Children

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

www.bibletourwithjoline.com/dailydevotions.asp

You have to know that before you can ever be successful Christian parents, you must have your own relationship with the Lord, and, just as it is important that your children see you living right, they must also see you loving each other right. You cannot teach your children something you are not practicing. They are smart and they can spot a fake from a distance. You have to practice what you preach. . If you expect your life to impact that of your children, then you must be transformed by the Word yourself. They have to see you put God first. It is essential you set aside personal time alone with God. You need to be growing so that you can help your children to grow. The importance an influence of the Word of God should never be underestimated. Godly children start with godly parents. Many people complain about the fact that children are not learning the life lessons they are being taught at home, and often enough, their attitude is the direct result of the parents’ life. Children learn by observing you. They are more incline toward what you do, versus what you say. You have to start raising godly children, by being a good example. Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers are commanded to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You cannot leave this up to others, including your wife (of course, she is responsible too). You are responsible (both parents). You have no right to shift it to others.

The Bible says that parents (not just the mother) should diligently teach the Word to their children. The word "diligent" means "to sharpen." It carries the idea of penetrating another. In other words, the training is to penetrate deeply into your children. You are to help them, on the basis of God's word to be discerning when it comes to living life. You are not to teach them through dogmatic nonsense of "Because I said so!" It simply does work. You are to develop in them a set of conviction based in the Word of God that will guide them through life. It isn't about a bunch of rules, of a list of "do's and don'ts". It is about teaching them by explanation and by example the things God would have them learn. Must parents feel that there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete all their tasks and some neglect the spiritual part of raising children. My friend, all good teaching should start with God. Some fathers think they will leave the children to the mothers to raise (or vice-versa). Some divorce and leave the home or otherwise desert their children. Some spend too much time away from home pursuing other interests. Some simply don't bother. This is unacceptable. Raising children is a responsibility that both parents should embrace

Friend you must accept the goal of raising your children properly and must diligently work toward that goal. You must not leave this God-given responsibility to others. You have to teach them that God blesses His faithful children. If they see you enjoying the great blessings of the Lord, they will want the same things for their own lives. Let's show the precious children that serving God is the only way to live, it isn’t optional but mandatory. Teach them the truth; make sure they know that obedience to the Lord always pays off. Let's show them that God's way is the best way. After all, your children will be a living memorial to your investment in their lives.

Praise the Lord!