“Model for your children and inspire them to have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 24, 2022
And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice. Ephesians 6:1, TLB
Parenting may be the most exhausting experience in life. Mental fatigue. Emotional distress. Physically sick and tired. Spiritually spent. Thankfully, in spite of the super human effort required to love children well, the rewards are most satisfying. And perhaps, when a child is age 5-15, the experience of parenting can be the most fulfilling golden years when they are able to eat, sleep, bathe and go to the bathroom on their own—the tedious work of 24/7 care is lifted, along with the chronic exhaustion. Mom and dad are still honored and endearing, no competition with driving a car or exercising the freedoms of being an older teenager. So, instead of wishing your child was older and gone, take the time to enjoy the one who will go away soon enough.
Parental wisdom flows from the pen of Paul, as he anticipates the temptation of a parent to react to his child in anger. A chronic, nagging, angry scold creates a cold heart in your child. Cold to you. Cold to himself. Cold to Christ. Avoid the approach of angry outbursts, waiting until you are rested, and then respond with loving discipline and godly wisdom. Maybe say, “We are both tired but tomorrow we will continue our conversation about how to channel your passions properly.” Resentment, hardens the heart—while contentment helps a child grow in love and patience.
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21).
A word to dads, just the tone of your voice can either build a bridge of trust—a soft answer, or tear down trust—a harsh answer. Take a deep breath, stay calm and with love say, “Son, part of growing into a man is being kind and forgiving when you do not get your way. Share your stuff, and you can be trusted with more stuff.” Or, “Sweetie, whining is not the way to get your way, instead, use your words and tell me why you are upset.” Use the golden years with your child to discipline and train them in the ways of the Lord. Short, harsh rebukes don’t work. Yes, take the time to explain consequences for bad behavior, but also reward good behavior. The relationship you will enjoy with older teens is shaped by being intentional/prayerful in their younger years.
Most of all, model for them and inspire them to have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ! Charles Spurgeon had twin boys who both served in ministry. He gives this admonishment to parents related to teaching their children the ways of the Lord, “Let us expect our children to know the Lord. Let us from the beginning mingle the name of Jesus with their A B C’s. Let them read their first lessons from the Bible. It is a remarkable thing that there is no book from which children learn to read so quickly as from the New Testament! There is a charm about that Book which draws forth the infant mind. But let us never be guilty, as parents, of forgetting the religious training of our children; for if we do we may be guilty of the blood of their souls!” Pray your children will know and love the Lord at a young age and they will embrace following Jesus.
“Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:13-16).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray my children will love and follow you all the days of their lives, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Read The Jesus Storybook Bible to your child at night before bedtime.
Related Reading
Proverbs 20:7, 11; Psalm 119:98-99; John 5:39; 2 Peter 1:20-21
Worship Resource
Claire Ryann and Dad: Peace in Christ
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