I count it a blessing to be the father of a fourteen year old and twelve year old. I can’t think of a more challenging but rewarding job. I struggle with the speed at which our children have grown in terms of age but thankful for their emotional & spiritual development. I sometimes long for the days of “sippy cups” and playing on the swing. Each generation deals with a new set of challenges that require parents to be a “chapter ahead.” I struggle with parenting but I know God gives us a roadmap. It’s up to us to follow it!
Both parents are responsible for their children. God tells us in Deuteronomy 6:7 we must teach our children God’s commands, “You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” We are the primary teachers of our children. Our words and actions must match as we instruct our kids in the direction God wants them to go.
Seek council from older members of the Lord’s church. We see examples of leaders asking advice in 1 Kings 12:6, “Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he still lived, and he said, “How do you advise me to answer these people?” Older Christians are valuable resources when raising children. I have received the best advice from mature Christians who exhibit the scars of life. They want to help!
We must provide the guard rails. Today’s culture permeates & permits abortion, alcohol, dishones
ty, drugs, homosexuality, immodesty, lying, pornography, over stimulation of the mind, and a disconnect from our Creator! Christian parents will turn to God’s plan for parenting, not man’s desire for satisfaction (Proverbs 14:12).
