THE MEANS OF RAISING GODLY CHILDREN Is it possible to raise godly children who will dare to separate themselves from evil in this despondent world? This is one question many people would want to ask. Of course, it is possible to raise children whose character is unsullied. Diligent and prayerful parents can withstand attention the odds to raising godly children. The followings are important means Christian parents must employ to raise godly children. 1. instruction. The Bible is the major resource material for raising godly children, and not worldly wisdom, culture and tradition, or psychology books. These other resources may help in other ways but they cant save your children from worldliness and sin. Your children can only be free from worldliness when you instruct them from the Bible about Gods approved lifestyle for Christians. Teach them to shun every worldly practice and lifestyle around them, and be firm and convincing in your teaching. 2. Prayer. Instructing the children to flee worldliness in itself wont suffice. You need to join prayer to your teaching. When you pray for your children, God will give them the grace and power to live by what theyve been taught. Theres a saying that A child of many prayers cannot be lost. Teach your children the Bible and pray they obey the instructions you have given them, and steer clear of worldliness. 3. GODLY EXAMPLE. Examples, they say, are better than precepts Children learn faster and better by imitation. Therefore, parents who desire godly children should live godly lifestyle themselves, most times, who your child becomes is a reflection of who you are. If you are worldly, you cant expect your children to be godly. For instance, if you always wear jewelry, makeup and clothes that reveal your nakedness and you adorn your children with the same apparel, your children will always dress worldly when they grow up. 4. AVAILABILITY. Create time to be there for your childrens upbringing. Dont be too busy with mundane things and neglect them. Be available to instruct, listen to, play with and guide them. Make time to discuss with them, answer their questions, look at their school work, visit their schools, and have devotions with them. 5. DISCIPLINE. Discipline doesnt necessarily mean punishment. Discipline is the conditioning of the mind to follow rules and instructions. It is taming the human nature of all forms of excesses. It involves the following: A. Subduing self-will. You cant start too soon; you must insist on obedience right from infancy. Many parents miss it here. They allow their kids to flout their rules and instructions until they become self-willed. B. Instilling in children respect for authority. You must understand that meting out appropriate discipline makes children to obey instructions, and consequently instills in them respect for God and other authorities. C. Setting boundaries and limits for them. Tell your children in clear terms what they should do and what they shouldnt, and let them know the consequence of disobeying you. In a nutshell give them rules to follow, and mete out the appropriate punishment if they violate the rules. Discipline is indispensable in shaping you childrens character and making them steer clear of evil and worldliness. Never allow a rebellious or sinful act to go unpunished. Timely and appropriate scolding and rebukes should be meted out (Proverbs 13:24). However, you must commend and reward your children for good behaviour.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 06:40:59 +0000
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