Topic: Biblical parenting Part 2
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 15-16; Luke 20:27-47.
Memory Verse: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.“ 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV) .
Christian parenting involves guiding children to a saving faith in Christ and setting them on a path to maturity, bringing them to the full measure of his glory ( Ephesians 4:13). Just as it was stated yesterday, disciplining your child is one of the ways of guiding and training them in the way of the Lord. Though it’s tough sometimes disciplining your child, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace as shown in Hebrews 12:11 as opposed to bitterness, revenge and turmoil which characterized David’s family as exhibited by Amnon and Absalom ( 2 Samuel 13-16 KJV) and later by Adonijah ( 1 Kings 1 KJV).
In Christian parenting, communication is key. Encourage your children to be open with you from an early age so that they will trust you and so share their secrets often. Building trust between both parties is essential for healthy relationship. I was pleased by the trust between a father and his son when in a home, electric power went off suddenly and the water also stopped running. The son was in the bathroom at that time with soap lather covering his face but he did not bother. When asked while he didn’t bother, he said he knew his father would look for him if he didn’t see him in a few minutes and truly that is what happened. Do you have emotional connection with your children that they can easily predict your action positively? You can build this connection by being open minded with them rather than jumping to conclusions. Cultivate the habit of asking them for explanations on what you do not understand and lovingly counsel them in line with biblical principles.
Its also beneficial setting rules, limits and consequences in the family. That helps to guide behaviour and help to prevent Amnon-type evil actions. It’s useful if your rules can also be positive instead of emphasizing negativity. For example, “we respect people in our engagements” instead of “don’t disrespect others in your dealings.” These rules and consequences should be updated as the children grow to reflect their age and also take their inputs where necessary.
A major pillar of parenting is helping to nurture the faith of your children. This should involve studying the Bible and praying together, attending church services together and discussing topical issues using biblical principles and encouraging them to study on their own and making yourself available for clearing areas where there are doubts or poor understanding.
In addition to the above, you need to teach your children the need for diligence and having value for money but putting honour above money in all their dealings stressing Apostle Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV), “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” If you have done all the basic things you should do as a father and your child appears to be heading in the wrong direction, you will need to create more time for the child for discussion and understanding of why he/she behaves in that manner before counselling him/her. In all these, you will need to seek the direction of the Holy Spirit and ask God to interfere and touch your child. And as you sow the right seeds in his/her life and the lives of others you come across, you will see the required changes. In all, you need to remember that you cannot give what you do not have; you need to be a true child of God to give necessary biblical parenting.
Prayer point: Father, please help parents to train their children in your way in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero