In previous teachings, we saw the home as the first institution for child training and positive examples as the tool for raising great children. The teaching this week shall focus on an interesting subject titled: God’s Command to Teach.
From the beginning, God instructed parents to teach their children. Addressing the ancient Israelites, God said: And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
This kind of teaching requires much more than once-a-week session at Church services. It must be a regular practice; all week long, so that it becomes a lifestyle (Proverbs 22:6).
Abraham, called the friend of God in James 2:23, was well spoken of by God for teaching his children and household God’s ways. In Genesis 18:19 God said of Abraham: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgement; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
King Solomon understood that when we reach maturity, we reflect the training we have received as children (Proverbs 22:6). History clearly shows that when Israel neglected teaching and obeying God’s commands as they were told to do in Deuteronomy 6, they suffered tragic results.
Apostle Paul wrote: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This statement is simply a continuation of the same principle God gave the Israelites in the Old Testament.
Sometimes ago, I read a scripture that changed my perspective about child training: …A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother (Proverbs10:1). In other words, the son that is wise is the father’s, while the one that is foolish is the mother’s! That is why I told myself that I must be ready to accept responsibility, so that my children will not end up as fools.
In case you are a woman reading this article, you must rise up to the task and accept the responsibility of raising wise children. However, if you had your children before getting born again and they are thorns in your flesh, I want you to believe God for a miracle, for with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Today, we need to likewise teach our children God’s commands. These commands, when applied, provide a moral compass to guide their conduct for the rest of their lives.
How, then, can you effectively teach? Biblical passages on parenting show that God wants you to employ love, patience, dignity and respect in working with your children, just as He does with you. Love is the foundational principle for all Christian relationships (Matthew 22:37-40; John 13:34-35). Paul said obeying the Ten Commandments expresses love toward God and your neighbours (Romans 13:9-10).
Just as God instructs because He loves you; you must likewise instruct your children if you love them (Hebrews 12:7). Loving your children includes discipline. Establishing fair rules and consequences for breaking those rules has been described as setting up boundaries. The purpose for boundaries is that children learn appropriate behaviour and feel secure.
Your attitude towards your children is, perhaps, the most important consideration in proper child upbringing. Your words and actions show your children whether or not you love them.
To effectively obey the commandment on child training, you need to identify with Christ, by being born again. To be born again means confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this, please say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
