Susan Maree Jeavons Poet, Widow, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother

Deuteronomy 6:7-9 Teaches us to be good examples for our children, by teaching them the ways of the Lord. Teach them the word of the Lord, what sin is, and how to resist Satan's temptations.

Moses told us it was important to teach our children God's laws. (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). 

Discipline and instruction are also important parts of being a good parent. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Children who grow up in undisciplined households feel unwanted and unworthy. They lack direction and self-control, and as they get older they rebel and have little or no respect for any kind of authority, including God's. We see this clearly in today's society. Parents seem too busy to be worried about the most important aspect of their child's lives; their souls. Children who are brought up knowing the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and the consequences of our actions, are more likely to find guidance in the words of our Heavenly Father and go on to live according to God's instructions. Teaching them about the grace of God's forgiveness of our sins will also give them hope and incentive to do good.

“Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18). At the same time, discipline must be balanced with love, or children may grow up resentful, discouraged, and rebellious (Colossians 3:21). God recognizes that discipline is painful when it is happening (Hebrews 12:11), but if followed by loving instruction, it is remarkably beneficial to the child.

The world tries to teach us that spanking our children is abusive, but there is a difference between spanking and abusing. All too often these days we read about a parent who's dicipline ends in tradgedy for the child. These parents need guidance and training on how to dicipline without harming a child. Some parents even kill their own children; some saying that they are doing it to save their children from an evil world. Ironically, they did evil in the process.

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Would appreciate any comments of questions.

December 12 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report