RAISING POSITIVE CHILDREN IN A NEGATIVE WORLD
By Rev.Michael Benson Ajayi
Proverbs 29:15" The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
The blessings of God is from generation to generation and the importance of raising children to fit into God’s purpose cannot be overemphasized. Children determine whether we would have a happy or miserable future. It is for this reason that sufficient resources and time should be devoted to the training of children: neglecting this will bring shame to families and communities .
God’s commitment to a person to a large extent is influenced by his or her willingness to sustain the propagation of the gospel through the family . It was God's desire for a family that led to the creation of man. His choice for Abraham as the father of our faith was informed by the latter's commitment to sustaining the family unit. The scriptures says in Gen. 18:19 "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." We have the same mandate to raise families like Abraham did .
The imbalance in the world is facilitated through dysfunctional families with weak foundations and we have the opportunity to end the cycle of dysfunctionality in our generation through God's word . He requires that parents raise their children in a God-centered manner.The purpose should be that children develop a personal relationship with God based on experience in reverence, love and a lifetime commitment to serve God (Deut.6:6-7,Ephesians 6:4,John17:3). This is usually the father's primary responsibility, Abraham spearheaded the raising of his children (Ephesians.6:4)
There are no perfect children and certainly no perfect parents , we were all conceived and born in sin. (Ps.51:5)therefore, when a Child attains the age of accountability (knowing good and evil) ,he or she is expected to surrender their hearts to Jesus Christ . It is through a godly parent that a child's heart is stirred away from sin (Prov.4:23,Mark7:21-23) this is achieved by teaching the child the truth about God's word. By using life example, children are taught the negative consequences of self-centeredness found in children.Giving them an expensive education , therapy and living a regimented lifestyle is no cure for the sinful tendencies in children , a child's heart can only be changed through God's word and the parent's exemplary behaviour . A parent cannot be a porn- addict and at the same time teach a child lessons on sex education based on God's standards. Children have the capacity to see through the veil of hypocrisy.We shouldn't be afraid to show our weaknesses to our children and jointly pray for mutual healing .Children learn faster by example (Deut.6:4-6)
The distinguishing element between a godly family from others is in the respect they have for each other this is often exemplified by the parent's respect for each other through the father's leadership (1Tim.3:4)disrespectful children grow-up to become unemployable adults and unreliable citizens . While enforcing law and order, parents should guide against child -abuse or any action that harms their self-esteem (Col.3:21)All acts of discipline should be done in love (Prov.13:24,22:15,29:15,17,23:13-14) they should be made to understand that it is for the general good (Heb.12:5-11).
It is unwise to give children unfettered liberty, it will result in catastrophe in future, such children grow up to become unfaithful spouses, morally weak citizens and frustrate missionary work. (1Sam.3:1-18) .Children are a gift from God (psalm 127:3) and should be guided in the way of the lord while praying for strength and wisdom to raise them .
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for a peaceful and godly family relationship in Jesus name.
Free Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit : noyadesigns / pixabay
The blessings of God is from generation to generation and the importance of raising children to fit into God’s purpose cannot be overemphasized. Children determine whether we would have a happy or miserable future. It is for this reason that sufficient resources and time should be devoted to the training of children: neglecting this will bring shame to families and communities .
God’s commitment to a person to a large extent is influenced by his or her willingness to sustain the propagation of the gospel through the family . It was God's desire for a family that led to the creation of man. His choice for Abraham as the father of our faith was informed by the latter's commitment to sustaining the family unit. The scriptures says in Gen. 18:19 "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." We have the same mandate to raise families like Abraham did .
The imbalance in the world is facilitated through dysfunctional families with weak foundations and we have the opportunity to end the cycle of dysfunctionality in our generation through God's word . He requires that parents raise their children in a God-centered manner.The purpose should be that children develop a personal relationship with God based on experience in reverence, love and a lifetime commitment to serve God (Deut.6:6-7,Ephesians 6:4,John17:3). This is usually the father's primary responsibility, Abraham spearheaded the raising of his children (Ephesians.6:4)
There are no perfect children and certainly no perfect parents , we were all conceived and born in sin. (Ps.51:5)therefore, when a Child attains the age of accountability (knowing good and evil) ,he or she is expected to surrender their hearts to Jesus Christ . It is through a godly parent that a child's heart is stirred away from sin (Prov.4:23,Mark7:21-23) this is achieved by teaching the child the truth about God's word. By using life example, children are taught the negative consequences of self-centeredness found in children.Giving them an expensive education , therapy and living a regimented lifestyle is no cure for the sinful tendencies in children , a child's heart can only be changed through God's word and the parent's exemplary behaviour . A parent cannot be a porn- addict and at the same time teach a child lessons on sex education based on God's standards. Children have the capacity to see through the veil of hypocrisy.We shouldn't be afraid to show our weaknesses to our children and jointly pray for mutual healing .Children learn faster by example (Deut.6:4-6)
The distinguishing element between a godly family from others is in the respect they have for each other this is often exemplified by the parent's respect for each other through the father's leadership (1Tim.3:4)disrespectful children grow-up to become unemployable adults and unreliable citizens . While enforcing law and order, parents should guide against child -abuse or any action that harms their self-esteem (Col.3:21)All acts of discipline should be done in love (Prov.13:24,22:15,29:15,17,23:13-14) they should be made to understand that it is for the general good (Heb.12:5-11).
It is unwise to give children unfettered liberty, it will result in catastrophe in future, such children grow up to become unfaithful spouses, morally weak citizens and frustrate missionary work. (1Sam.3:1-18) .Children are a gift from God (psalm 127:3) and should be guided in the way of the lord while praying for strength and wisdom to raise them .
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for a peaceful and godly family relationship in Jesus name.
Free Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit : noyadesigns / pixabay
Comments
Post a Comment