As concerned parents you can form a parent group on your own rather than wait on the Pastor. Do something for your children. Invite those who have written books on parenting or those who seem to be gifted in parenting. I am sure there are some people we know whose children have some mannerisms we admire and desire to be in our children.
The bible tells us to covet only good gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:31 (King James Version)
"But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."
Ask them how they have done it. Do not be proud for it is for the good of your children.
God's intention for child birth and parenting was within marriage, Holy matrimony. It was in marriage that he commanded Adam and Eve to go forth and multiply and replenish the earth. Why? I think it is because God desires Godly seeds. He wants the children to know him, honour him and obey him.
Serving God is supposed to be a family affair. If one parent is a christian and the other is not, the family will be dysfunctional. The father is the head of the family, as Christ is the head of the church, therefore he needs to lay down the law.
No wonder why Joshua in, Joshua 24:15 (New International Version)
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Child raring requires a high level of stability, therefore we should feed our children on invaluable values by which they can live victorious, glorious, joyful, peaceful, loving and wonderful lives. Godly parenting is when we parent our children in the way God parents us.
The reason some of these western nations are suffering is because they failed to teach their children about God. This is the reason why a lot of people are in a mess. People are getting involved in certain things that do not glorify God. They have no values at all. They do not know where to turn to for help. The government that promises to help can not help because they themselves are seeking and searching for answers. How can the blind lead the blind? Disaster!!
There is a need somewhere that only God can meet and not scientology or any of these other things we hear about everyday. So parents, I beseech you by the mercies of God to build good and solid foundations for your children through the word of God. It is the only sincere milk that is vital for their growth and happiness in life. They will know where to turn to when in trouble or in need or in want of something, be it spiritual or material.
We need to provide for our children. As much as we expert God to meet all our needs, same with our children. They expect to receive good gifts from us. We need to buy them gifts whenever possible. Provide good food and clothes. Affirm them and boost their self esteem. Encourage honesty and working hard to achieve good results. Above all love them and spend time with them praying and playing together. A family that prays and plays together stays together.
Teach them care, commitment to family and respect of their elders and the importance of obedience. Romans 12 has got some wonderful pointers to teach our children. Every child is different therefore we need to study our children and know them individually. You can not do the same thing you did for Jude, for Apollos.
Nurturing of children should not be one sided. Both parents should be involved in the teaching and equiping of the children. It is a very good investment for their future. It is not the mother's responsibility to teach the children but also the father's. Teach your children regularly and have the same mindset as parents in order to avoid confusing the children. Teach them how to get solutions for everthing in the bible. Teach them patience and perseverance.
Teach your children about God and how to pray as early as possible. It is never too early. Do not be in a hurry, Take your time and this is the good reason for starting as early as you can. It needs to be well balanced. Give them freedom to choose eg food, toys etc. Encourage good habits eg prayer, saying thank you, offering a helping hand etc. Discipline them lovingly whenever appropriate but make sure they understand why. 'Because I say so!' may work, but, is not a very good answer.
Above all let us remember to pray for our children, for their careers, for their spouses and also for their children. This is one thing we should never take lightly, for it is one of the greatest gifts we can ever give to our children. For those who have not started yet, please do.It is never too late to start teaching your children. Difficult it may be, but, God will always make a way to those who are willing to let him take control of their lives and situations. We are not alone, ask Jesus and he will be your guide.
Remember!! God chose you and he will always be there for you. Genesis 18:19 (New International Version)
"For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
Always be available for your children and be ready to answer any questions they may have e.g. sensitive issues like sex. If you are not available or free to talk to them someone else will. The most frightening thing is you do not know who and what they may be taught.
Get wisdom, get understanding.
Stay blessed.
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