…Mrs
Clinton set forth in her book, It Takes A Village, an agenda for moving
America closer to state-sponsored parenting. She seems to give lip service to
the importance of parents and grandparents, but believes that parents should
not be permitted to train their own children unsupervised by the secular
state.
…God has a far different and far better idea. He tells us that children are
to raised by their parents. Also, that children are a blessing from God, not
a burden. They are “living messages that we send to a time we cannot go.”
…Paul continues in Ephesians telling us what it is to walk with the Lord being
controlled by the Holy Spirit. As a part of this, he tells of the
parent-children relationship…today, it is the duty of parents to train their
children.
TWO DIRECTIVES FOR PARENTS HELPING US TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN
ACCORDING TO GOD’S WONDERFUL WORD.
…For it is God’s Word, not Dr. Spock, who we should be listening to in this
very important subject.
I. Fathers
(parents) Stop Driving Your Children Away From You. (negative)
A. God
commands us through Paul to “stop provoking your children to anger.” In a
parallel teaching in Colossians 3:21, Paul tells us not “to embitter our
children” or they will become…
B. Parents
are entrusted with the minds, feelings, and bodies of their little ones.
Children do not exist for parents, but parents for children, to help them come
into their own personhood…
…if a parent provokes his children to anger or embitters them, he will lose
the opportunity to train their hearts and form their characters. This is
most important…
C. How
can we drive our children away by provocation?
1.
We can overprotect
them, and fence them in too much, never trust them…never give them a chance to
develop independence.
2.
We can
overindulge our kids. This is the “flip side” of overprotection. We do this
when we spoil them.
3.
Favoritism
among one’s children produces this. (Gen 25:28) Rebecca with Jacob…
…don’t give gifts or privileges to one that you withhold from another. Don’t
compare…
4.
Unrealistic
goals drive children into bitterness. By constantly pushing
achievement…Pressure your children to accomplish what you never did. Make
your kids feel as though they can never satisfy you…guaranteed to produce
discouragement.
5.
Discouragement. When you are constantly critical of your children, and hardly
ever praise them. Focus on their faults. In time, they will stop trying.
6.
Neglect.
Fail
to show them love and affection. Just show them indifference. David did this
with Absalom ((2 Sam 18:33) He grew up with contempt for his dad.
7.
Withdrawing
your love will surely create anger.
8.
Excessive
discipline will provoke your kids. It is not discipline, it is brutality.
... using hurtful words in rebuking our children crushes their hearts.
…God always disciplines His children in love. (Hebrews 12:5-7)
II. Fathers
(parents) Give Yourselves To The Nurturing Of Your Children. (positive)
A.
We are to “bring them up.” We must. This does not happen on its own. Take
an active role in shaping the character of your children.
B. In
two ways: We are to train and instruct (warn) them. For “instruct” means
“to put in mind.”
C. God’s
manual for this is His Word, specifically Proverbs. What should we teach
them?
1.
Teach them to fear the
Lord. (Proverbs 1:7)
2.
Teach them to
guard their minds. (Proverbs 4:23)
3.
Teach them to
obey their parents. (1:8)
4.
Teach them to be
selective in choosing their companions. (13:20) “walk with wise…”
5.
Teach them to
control their lusts. (2:16-19), (5:3-5), (6:23-33)
6.
Teach them to
enjoy their mates. (save sexual passions for spouse) (5:15, 18-20)
7.
Teach them to
watch their words. (4:24), (12:18) Often it is wiser not to talk…
8.
Teach your
children to vigorously pursue their work. (6:6-8), (10:4-5)
9.
Teach your children to love their neighbor. (3:27-29)
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
-
Some of us
as parents may need to ask forgiveness of our children when we angered them!
-
Dads,
ultimately if your children are not disciplined...God will hold you responsible.
-
Parents,
strive to create the environment of love. A loving family home.
-
Parents, if
you have failed in this, God gives a 2nd chance..."called grandchildren".
-
Perhaps you are not a Christian your greatest need is to come
to Christ Today!!!
|