Train up a child

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

For the past few weeks I've been contemplating the preacher's message from 8-29-10. Our church is currently doing a series called "Pieces: The Family Puzzle." Last week's message was on the character of our children. Dan (our pastor) quoted John McArthur - The true measure of success for Christian parents is the parents' own character. It struck me - I've been reading and research and poring over all this information about pregnancy, but how much have I been preparing my heart for parenthood? Lord willing, this pregnancy will continue without complications to yield a healthy child. What next?

Although I believe God gives children personalities and attitudes that are unique, I also believe that how they are parented plays a huge role in who they become. I want to raise generous, driven, humble, loving children. But above all else, I want to raise children who know they were created by a God who loves them, and who will bring Him glory. How do we raise children who reject the "scientific" dribble of the world and embrace the truth of where they came from? How do we teach children to "speak the truth in love"?

Although these are things that I'm sure I will never completely figure out, I want to try. I thought I would share a few points from the message if for no other reason than to remind myself.

1.Parental success depends on the parents' actions - not the child's
    By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. Thorns are snares are in the way of the perverse; He who gaurds his soul will be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go and when he old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:4-6

2. Children are a blessing not a burden

3. Parenting should be a joy, not a grief
    Correct you son and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. Proverbs 29:17

4. The most important influences in children's lives are their parents, not their peers.
    Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."  1 Corinthians 15:33


Three biblical "must dos" to successful parenting:
1. Teach your children the truth of God's Word - Deutoronomy 6:6-9
2. Discipline them when they do wrong - Proverbs 13:24
3. Don't provoke them to anger - Ephesians 6:4

As you can tell, this message had a lot of good stuff for parents. Especially first timers who are clueless and paranoid! In light of all that, my focus is starting to change from pregnancy to parenthood. Lately, my prayers have shifted from, "God give me a healthy child" to "God teach me how to raise a child that brings You glory." I know that God has given us this child at this time to fulfill a very specific role in His kingdom. I can't wait to see what it is! 

Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

1 comment:

  1. "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”(Ecclesiastes 12:1)

    This is the verse that I have been dwelling on recently. It is wonderful to think if you teach your children the ways of God continuously and diligently, when they get to the point they are tempted, they will "have no pleasure" in those things.

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