Being a mother, I am witnessing firsthand the fallen nature of humans. I see it in my children. When they grab a toy from their sibling’s hands, they display inconsideration. When they complain of not having the toys they want, they show discontentment. When they don’t do simple things for themselves and always ask someone else to get their cup of water, they model laziness. When they voice out that they are better than their peers and that their classmate draws ugly pictures, they speak words of pride. When they do not admit that they have broken daddy’s things and even blame it on their sibling, they are covering up their wrongdoings. All of these are manifestations of a human being’s selfishness.
In his book Love & Respect in the Family, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs said, “Parenting is definitely for adults only.” It is true! How can one child lead another to be good Christians? The gift of proper guidance can only come from responsible parents who want God’s best for their children. As a responsible parent, God has commanded me to train my children.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
In what way shall I train my children? I need God’s wisdom in giving them the gift of guidance. To teach them to live by the Spirit, to keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Then, there’s discipline. One of the difficult aspects of parenting. But, it is necessary, so the children themselves will grow up to be responsible and Christlike adults.
Proverbs 22:15
Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
To love my children is to train them and discipline them. This is my main job.
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
It’s a very daunting task, I know, but a rewarding one as well.
Psalms 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Read more: www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/20-important-bible-verses-for-parents
One of the best gifts we parents could give our children is the gift of guidance.
We really should be our kids’ own role models, this is a beautiful post!
M recently posted..Resort Wear – OOTD
Us parents have a great responsibility talaga in molding our kids attitude. I am kind of unsure how would I handle James’ behavior along the way but surely, with the words of God, I am free. =)
Jen recently posted..Tips On How to Stop your kids from Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier
Hope to get a copy of the book soon. 🙂
Maricel recently posted..Three Years
Perfect read to start my Sunday morning! I remember reading an article before, about how some parents focus too much on teaching kids what they should be when they grow up, or to aim for success always, yet forget to remind their children to always be kind.
There are times that I feel that I’m a failure mom when I see my son doing something not nice and if he is not listening to me. It is really hard to raise and discipline a kid. The only thing I want for my son is, he will grow up with good values and fear in God because everything will follows na.
Michi recently posted..Roast Chicken + Gravy Sauce
This is one of my major fear. That I won’t be able to properly guide my child into becoming a good follower of Christ. How would I instill discipline? Are my means going to be effective? But I just believe that God has given me this child. Not just any other child. So I must believe that God has a purpose. That God knows that I can love this child and hone her into becoming a good person. This one is a nice read mummy. 🙂
Reigne recently posted..Mummy Finds: Mothercare Onesies
Everyday I pray for God’s wisdom so I can raise my son into the person He’d liked him to be. Hubby and I always talk about parenting and it helps that we have the same goals. Raising a kid can be daunting sometimes but little things like a kiss and hug from the little one makes it all worthwhile.
Kat | Petite Momma recently posted..Mga Bagay-bagay na Natutunan ko sa Ladies Dorm
I am blessed to have been able to read the same book, Cym. I actually recommend it to every parent who tries to raise their children for God’s glory. It opened my eyes to many things about human nature and God’s nature!
Maan recently posted..5 Things You Can Do With Your 5000 Pesos
Parents do play a significant in molding future generations. Hence, parenting choices we take on should reflect love and moral values.
emiliana recently posted..I agree, it's better to buy a house than rent….
The partner and I always discuss how we should go about disciplining our daughter when she does something not good. We often let her be – we don’t want to be too “bossy” and controlling as parents. We just hope we do great in this parenting thing and raise a good human being.
Pam / Hey, Miss Adventures! recently posted..READ: Whipeye Plus A Shared Giveaway
I agree! I don’t want to be too controlling also. Yes, I also hope the same thing.
My husband and I try our best to guide our children with Christian values. This is why I almost cried tears of joy when my 3-year old stood up for another kid that other children are leaving out–even if that meant she won’t be “part” of the group anymore. I am so happy that at 3, she understood what we taught her about being kind and real. 🙂
Kim Reyes recently posted..How We’re Taking Charge of Our Finances
That is super touching, Kim! Yes, being kind is important as a Christian.
Great reminders mommy! Raising a child is a huge responsibilty and I always pray that I am giving my kids the right guidance.
jhanis recently posted..Preparing for a Blog Conference