When we bring our children home as babies, we are immediately immersed in the love and joy they bring into our lives. At some point, along with the love and joy comes the responsibility to mold and train our children in areas of life that will help them be a positive contribution to the world we live in. Even from the earliest days, we impose loving, but firm discipline so that certain habits and behaviors will be formed.
In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God tells us this about His commandments: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
It’s our responsibility as parents to provide the proper discipline for our children to grow in the Christian faith. As Christian parents, I am making the assumption it’s a priority of yours that your children love God. God tells us exactly how to do that in the scripture referenced above.
It all begins with you and me. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6). God must be all-important to you and me, otherwise, He won’t be important to our children. We aren’t expected to be perfect parents, but I believe we are expected to give it our best. When we fall short of the parents we should be, we need to go to God for guidance and encouragement.
“Impress them on your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:7a). We are responsible for impressing God’s Word on our children. Church and Sunday school are not a substitute for parents. They help guide and resource families, but should not be wholly relied upon.
I think we all probably agree that providing the proper discipline for our children to grow in their faith is our responsibility. But, it is challenging…
“…Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7b)
I do not think this means we are supposed to be constantly preaching at our children. I think it means when we find opportunities, we should try to relate the love of Jesus and what He calls us to do in that situation for our children. Jesus is the perfect example of how we are to teach our children to love one another and care for one another in our world. When you read the parables in the New Testament, you can see how Jesus used ordinary everyday people and things to teach us a lesson.
Our children watch us. They need to see our love for God reflected in our attitudes and actions towards our neighbors and our friends. – Dee Ann Lord, Family & Children Coach
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