You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.
The truth is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21). The greatest of all teaching you can give to your child is that which is Christ centered. It occurs in the course of everyday life— as you walk with them, drive them places, play with them and have meals with them. These times are of immense value as you talk with your kids about your Lord Jesus!
Share about the manger and His birth, talk of His death, and resurrection, the Lord, He is in your life. Have fun and talk about Jesus a lot. We are to lead our children to the truth solely found in Him. He is their highest good and their Savior.
Share the stories of the Bible and God’s goodness in your life. Warn about sin, & talk of the cross, repentance and grace. Remind them of God’s desires for them and the value they are to you and Him. Talk of His soon return, Heaven and the hope that is there for them.
We can tend to a monologue with our children. Attempt to have, not a monologue, but a dialogue. Ask them questions, inquire of their thoughts. Learn what they are believing and help to shape that. Know their fears & their doubts… draw out the matters of their hearts (see Prov. 20:5). Give and speak to them with great affection and lots of encouragement… all their days! Celebrate success with them, and warn them of dangers you discern.
And pray… pray with them and pray for them. There are very real (though often unseen) present and powerful spiritual forces battling for our homes. It is easy for us to simply make a rule change, or a situation change and indeed that might be wise. Nevertheless, we must remember the battle is truly spiritual. For our fight is not against any physical enemy; it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil. (Eph. 6:12, JB Phillips trans)
I appreciate what Pastor Tony Merida shares on these matters—
Parenting makes you desperate for God’s help. Some days I think success equals keeping my children out of prison; other days I think success is keeping myself out of prison!
But we take great comfort in Titus 2. Paul says the grace of God instructs us for godliness (Titus 2:11-12). While parents have this responsibility to train their children, God in His grace is working in their lives. Look to God for grace and strength. Psalm 127 reminds us of our desperate need:
“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.
Unless the LORD guards the city; the watchman stays awake in vain.”
Go to God for help; His strength will be sufficient. Weak parents have a mighty Savior!
Maranatha!
Song for meditation