My, Devotion to Him #39
Raising and training a child within the context of this proverb means that it begins with the Bible, as “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training…” (2 Timothy 3:16). Teaching children the truths of Scripture will make them wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15); thoroughly equip them to do good works (2 Timothy 3:17); prepare them to give an answer to everyone who asks them the reason for their hope (1 Peter 3:15); and prepare them to withstand the onslaught of cultures bent on indoctrinating young people with secular values.
I remember when I had our last child and my husband asked me to homeschool our kids. I thought, NO WAY!!!! I was not going to be the one to blame for screwing them up!
After thinking about it I went to the Lord in prayer. Over the next 2 weeks on the Christian radio station all I heard about was homeschooling. Seriously???? I finally said, “Ok Lord, I got it!” Now, I wouldn’t have changed that for the world. Was it easy? Oh my no way! But, being able to be home with them and in part our morals and beliefs in them was priceless.
I know that not everyone can stay home and raise their kids. But, we as parents need to be vigilant in the time that we do have with them to impart Godly values. We will be held accountable for them. It doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect, God knows I’m not. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. But what it does mean, is that we are to teach them who God is and who He is in us. Let them see our mistakes and how to go humbly before Lord for forgiveness.
It is important for them to see the Godly values at work in the home. Teaching children the truths of Scripture will make them wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15); God never placed me in the lives of my children for them to like me all the time. I am not their girlfriend, friend, buddy, etc……I am the parent. I didn’t like them all the time, so why would I expect them to like me? I’ve always had a fear (reverence) of the Lord. I was determined to raise them as I thought the Lord would have me to. It was never easy. Loved ones would tell me that we were too strict, or to loosen up. I never gave in.
My love and devotion for the Lord far outweighed anyone’s opinion.
Thoroughly equip them to do good works (2 Timothy 3:17); prepare them to give an answer to everyone who asks them the reason for their hope (1 Peter 3:15); and prepare them to withstand the onslaught of cultures bent on indoctrinating young people with secular values.
My kids learned at an early age even the power of laying of hands for healing, the power of casting out demons and just walking in the authority that Christ gives us.
How are our kids supposed to put on the armor of God when they see yours on the floor rusty?
Parents! Get going! Put on the armor of God, pray, read, worship and serve in sight of your kids, alongside of your kids and without anyone seeing. How are they to know how, if they are not led? It is not the churches responsibility to teach and train our kids in the ways of Lord. The Lord placed that precious, important responsibility with us first. The church is to come alongside and should be able to reiterate that which has already been taught in the home.
In a meeting that I recently was in the leader gave an awesome illustration. The first picture was a thermometer and the other was a thermostat. Now, the thermometer is to tell the temp of something. For example, the culture we live in. We can see the temp of what’s going on around us. The thermostat is to set the temp. We as parents are to set the temp in the lives of our children. When we teach God’s truths, ways, word; rather it be in worship, prayer, the bible or taking them to church we are setting that temp within them. We can teach them to pray about those around us or events around us that don’t line up with God’s word, that we may be a light in the dark.
God Bless!
NOTES:
• Scriptures teaches that training your child in the ways of the Lord, pleases God.
• God entrust us as parents to raise our kids in the fear (reverence) of the Him.
• Your love and devotion to the Lord should outweigh anyone’s opinion.
• Help to be the thermostat in the lives of your kids.
Copyright © 2017 by Shannon Olinger
Published by SpiritWarriorMinistry.com as in agreement agreed upon between SpiritWarriorMinistry.com and author Shannon Olinger.
Devotionals by Shannon Olinger
- The Complete Package
- There Was Jesus
- My Bride, Rise Up Part 1
- Alabaster
- Heart After God
- Growing To Be Like Jesus
- Where Is Your Voice?
- Raising Your Kids In A Spiritual Home (current page)
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