God is wise. He knew that the only thing that can stand the test of time without being subject to change is His Word. That is why He said, through Paul, that parents, fathers especially, must bring children up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Many parents don’t understand that children are a heritage from the Lord (see Psalm 127:3). So they treat them as if they own them, even when they’re adults. Now, when your child is very tender, you must train him in God’s ways, disciplining him more strictly. But as the child grows into adulthood, don’t dominate their lives, especially when they are workers. If that happens, it’s really frustrating.
It’s not about raising your children in your ways. It’s about training them in THE WAY of the Lord. Give your children a Jesus from the onset.
Start filtering the kind of people you’ve allowed in your circle. Distance yourself from evil people and insist on living to please God regardless of what people say against your godly lifestyle.
To every parent out there reading this, be it spiritual or biological, be thus reminded that there is hope in disciplining your children. They may behave in obscene ways today, but your consistent correction in God’s ways will form God’s Word in them. Don’t give up!
God gives leaders insight into the future. Hence, they discipline their lives, as well as everyone around them, to move towards the vision’s fulfilment.
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” — Proverbs 17:6 NIV
When Apostle Paul said this to the Ephesian church, he was speaking from a spiritual-fatherly perspective. He told them to obey their shepherds in the Lord. But when it came to the biological parents, he said they should honour them (Ephesians 6:2). Why? Because Paul knew not all biological parents are also spiritual parents to their children.
Of a truth, your parents may not know God more than you. But they certainly have more life experiences than you. So your spiritual understanding may be higher than theirs, but their comprehension of life is broader than yours. Honour them and pray for them because, after all, they’ve been faithful to take care of you.
Do you have the privilege of having children, whether spiritually or physically? Then start disciplining them in the ways of the Lord. Forget about their reactions when you do it because they don’t know the effect of their misbehaviour on their future.
Study the Bible as a parent. Let God’s Word permeate your spirit, soul and body so that God will inspire you to set up godly structures and systems to train up your child (or children) in your home.
Every person who comes to Christ, desiring to be taught Truth must submit to spiritual mentorship given by the shepherds (leaders and ministers) in the Body of Christ.
