Parenting is probably the one biggest challenge we face. But it is also one of the greatest joys and blessings that God has given us. Our primary responsibility as parents is to disciple and evangelize our children. The Great Commission should begin in the home.
How can we parent our children in this real world we live in? The “secret” is no secret…
PREPARE OUR CHILDREN’S HEARTS
We want to make the best possible environment for our children to be receptive to Jesus Christ. What type of soil do we have in our home? A soil of hypocrisy and dishonesty kill plants. But an environment of integrity and love are the fertilizer that help plants grow.
We cultivate this type of positive environment through…
- Discipline. We have to have standards. Some things are wrong, always. Proverbs 13:24 – “He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” Our children need to know that if he or she disobeys, punishment will follow. But godly discipline is also balanced by mercy (James 2:13). We can’t be overly harsh nor can we be overly permissive. Having two parents helps keep the right balance.
- Encouragement. A home that is too critical, negative, and harsh is not a healthy home. To be encouraging, we, as parents, need to recognize that our children are unique. Read Colossians 3:12-13. Children respond extremely well to high expectations and confidence in their abilities. Low expectations send a signal of low confidence – “I don’t think you can do much, so I won’t expect much.”
- Humility. Pride is perhaps the greatest obstacle to great parenting. Parents need to be humble in dealing with their children. Notice that Jesus defines Himself by His meekness in Matthew 11:29. We must teach our children that there is a limit to human wisdom and it takes humility to seek after godly wisdom.
- Enjoyment. Jesus enjoyed the presence of children (Matthew 18:1-6). We should enjoy being parents and we should never give any indication to our children that we don’t enjoy being their Mom or Dad. They should never be given the message that they are a burden to our happiness and joy. Rather, they are a blessing from God and we appreciate God giving them to us. So, have fun with your children!
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LIVE A SPIRIT-GUIDED LIFE
Galatians 6:8: “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Ask yourself “Am I right now sowing seeds to the flesh in my home or am I sowing seeds to the Spirit?” If we are consistently sowing fleshly seeds, how can we not be surprised if our children grow up and reject Jesus Christ? Look for occasions to plant seeds in your children’s hearts.
LIVE A LIFE OF INTEGRITY
If we want to teach our children the Gospel, we absolutely must know it ourselves. Our hearts need to be saturated with the Gospel. Our minds need to be immersed in God’s Word. If our hearts and our minds have been baptized into Jesus Christ, His example is going to flow out of our mouths, our actions, our attitudes. 1 Timothy 4:16 – “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.”
In other words: Gospel words + godly example = Christian children
–Paul Holland
