Parental Upbringing – A Christian Point of View
Overview
Today, we will be looking at an ‘ever green’ topic- one that would or should catch your attention, whether married or not. When a marriage is blessed with children, it is a divine thing! The Almighty has given Man the blessing to ‘be fruitful, to multiply and replenish the earth’. He has also provided instruction as in the book of Proverbs and Ephesians to take care of them.
Children are a gift from God. A writer once said they are in fact, a gift on loan. This means that as parents, we are under an obligation to properly manage our child(ren) because we are answerable to God if they are not well taken care of for ‘children are a heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His reward’.(Psalm 127 :3) Being a parent is probably the most tasking, yet rewarding jobs hence it should
not be considered in a hurry. It is safe to advice that parenthood should be attempted at a responsible age and couples should consider giving birth only to as many as they can cater for. Though God has given Man the blessing and command to ‘be fruitful and multiply’, (Genesis 1:28), we must take into
consideration other factors that support the growth and upbringing of a child.
As Christians, we are encouraged to love everyone and at all times even as Christ loves us. It may sound somewhat to ask or demand that parents love their children because it seems the easiest thing to do, but if there were no child abusers, child traffickers and child molesters, abortionists and abandoned children, there probably will be no need for this admonition. Christians are not exempt from these evil practises- we know too well that not every church goer is a Christian. When scripture demands we love our children, it is from a good place. We should therefore bless them and not curse, rebuke them in love and not heartlessly punish; cater for their needs be it physical, material or spiritual and honour them too.
There should be a distinction between discipline and wickedness, and if love is at the very foundation, your child will grow in grace. We must love our children as much as we love and honour ourselves and endeavour to raise them up in a good environment according to Godly standards. Children look up to you for guidance and direction and we must not fail them by acting wrongly ourselves. That is why parenthood should be for responsible adults. If you are still under your mother’s aprons you are probably not ready to be a parent.
When as a parent you show love to your children, it is probably the best way to teach them how to be loving themselves. Children who witness fighting and quarrelling at home are more likely to become troublesome outside and when they become adults. Children are good copycats and whatever you are, they would most likely become. Besides, if you don’t teach them, the world will! We should also not provoke our children to anger as Colossians 3 verse 21 says for it could discourage them. What exactly does this mean? Children are sensitive creatures and just like you, they have feelings. Unnecessarily venting your anger on them could discourage them from being the best they can be because they are the sponge that soaks up the emotions of everything surrounding them. Children cannot disguise their emotions or pretend. If you want to know the true state of a home, study the children. Little wonder why
Christ Jesus recommends we must be like little children before we can enter into God’s kingdom.
Bring Your Children Early To God
Deuteronomy 6 verse 6-7
Raising up children in the fear and discipline of the Lord is perhaps the best gift you can hand over to your children. Has God been faithful to you? Tell your children about it. Has He been your strength and stay? Share with them the good news for children are happy to listen to not only stories and fables, but also about the being whose name is Jehovah! They need to know how they were created, how animals, birds and trees came to be and how that sun, moon and star has its glory. Gradually replace fairies with angels and lullabies to hymns and of course fables with the gospel.
Today’s bible verse encourages us to talk about God’s commandments and teach our children His testaments. Let them know what God expects from them at a very early age for ‘children learn early to sin’ says Charles H Spurgeon. Proverbs 22 verse 6 is a popular verse that reminds us that if we train our children early in the ways of God, when they grow older, they are most likely happy to continue serving Jehovah.
Then again 2 Timothy 3 verse 14 to 17 says we should continue steadfastly in that which we have learnt from childhood for this knowledge brings wisdom in Christ Jesus. Scripture, it continues, is good and recommended for training, to correct and instruct in Godliness- so as parents, we must remember this and imbibe in our children, a bible reading culture. Prayer is the master key, we always sing. Praying for your children should be an almost hourly habit. Pray for their yesterday, sanctify their today and bless
their tomorrow. When praying stretch your sight further into their future and consecrate their entire lives for the blessings of a parent is a good foundation to lay for your children.
Let them see you pray always and this would tell them what to do when they have a problem. Encourage them to take every little care to God in prayer too, make them realise that God hears, sees and listens so they grow up able to share their thoughts with Christ, able to see Him as the closest ‘imaginary friend’ and that way, their thinking is established in righteousness.
Discipline is Key!
Proverbs 29 v 17- Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yes, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
Proverbs 29 verse 15- the rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Inasmuch as discipline is important and we have been advised not to ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’, using the cane or your fist should be the last resort. Children are very clever, so talk to them responsibly- Proverbs 29:17 Parents are also advised not to shy away from ANY questions a child might
raise. If you leave them unsatisfied, they will get answers from the world i.e. school, teachers, friends, the internet and whoever satisfies their curiosity, becomes their friend and confidant. Sex education is also another major issue. Prayerfully pass this knowledge, go through scriptures and take EVERY question your child would raise. Teach your child how to pray and make sure they get a Christian education and
not just a university degree. Education without God, makes clever devils!
Finally, parents, pray through every stage of parenthood. Ask God to give you all it takes to be a Godly parent. Try to be a good role model, win your child’s love and confidence and he/she will become your best friend. Good children are basically a gift from Jehovah. Daily ask Him to equip, bless, grant and honour you the skills to perfect this great role, ask Him to work with you. God’s help is only a prayer away.
May we always have the cause to glorify God!
NB: Images from google image
