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In the book of Proverbs we find this principle: Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6, ESV).
Although
this verse applies to any caretaker of children, it begins first with
the parents. In our society, school, television, and babysitters are
often the main influence on a child's upbringing. Many parents, due to
work, children's sports, divorce, and other situations, do not have
adequate time to train their children so they rely on the church. But,
while the church does have powerful influence on children, it's only for
a few hours out of the week. That's why not only is it important to
find a church with an effective children's ministry, but it's also why
parents need to step up and lead in their child's spiritual
development.
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You
shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them
when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you
lie down, and when you rise (Deut. 6:4-7, ESV).
What if we began to carve out time each week to apply this principle? What would it look like?
First,
begin by setting goals to create daily opportunities to pour into your
children. Be creative, and when your child is grown, he or she will have
a lot of good memories and behavior from the effort you took to build
them up in Christ and in their identity. At bedtime, it's good to do a
short devotional, then pray over your children. (If you don't pray for
your children daily, please begin and see what the Lord will do!) The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working
(James 5:16b, ESV). After church, your child probably comes home with
papers. Go over those papers, talk about the lesson they heard, and help
your child learn Bible verses. At one family's house I visited, they
took erasable markers and wrote Scriptures on their bathroom mirrors for
their children to learn.
Also,
pay special attention to who has influence over your child. This can be
adults, siblings, or other children. A person of influence can be good
or bad, but we are more prone to see bad influence rather than good. I
suggest watching for, and partnering with, people of good influence. If
your child adores his older brother or sister, talk to that older child
and ask them to help you. It will give the older child a greater sense
of purpose and responsibility in the household. Another example, if your
child has a favorite children's pastor or volunteer, treat them to
lunch after church or on the weekend. Do the same with the family of
your child's best friend. Barbeques in the summer are a great way to
create positive relationships. Increasing good influence is a great way
to help your child.
With
persons of bad influence, it is sometimes hard to limit exposure.
Always begin praying for that person and that your child would be an
influence to them. If possible, and if necessary, limit your child's
exposure to them. Do this in a way that shows unconditional love, but
conditional time. Your child's spiritual development is more important
than the relationship with that person.
Things to take home:
- As parents you need to step up and lead in your child's spiritual development.
- Begin by setting goals to create daily opportunities to pour into them.
- Pray for your children and show interest in what they are learning.
- Partner with those who are a good influence on your child.
- Pray for those who are a bad influence and take action if necessary.
And remember, you are the priests of the home. You set the spiritual atmosphere.
God bless you!
-Seth
Sources Cited:
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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