Firstly, we are reminded in Psalms 127:3 “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.” Children are a heritage from the Lord. As parents, we are not to lord over our children. Instead, we are instructed to bring up our children in the fear and knowledge of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” In Proverbs 22:6, it says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. In Deuteronomy 4:9, it says “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
It is in no uncertain terms, that God tells us that parents are to teach and train our children in the ways of the LORD. It is our duty as parents to bring our children to the knowledge of salvation grace. Share with them the gospel and lead them to salvation through Jesus Christ at an early age. It is critical to acknowledge that our children are born with a sinful nature. We, as parents, should seize the opportunity to share with them the gospel and bring them to salvation at an early age. Take this as your prerogative and priority to ensure your child knows the Saviour at an early age.
We, as parents, should train up our child in the way they should go and not in the way they want to go. Instruct our child in the straight and narrow way of God, and not in the way that he thinks is logical or right. Expose your child to the knowledge of God and His ways at an early age.
Train your child to have knowledge of the bible. If you have not, and your children are young, you can start by reading the bible and children’s bible stories to your child. Make it a habit to read regularly to your child.
Train your child to have a habit of prayer. Pray with your child often. Show them how to begin and how to pray. Encourage the child to persevere. Prayer will keep our heart close to God and live a vibrant Christian life.
Train them to be faithful and regular in attending church, Sunday School, and fellowship. Even as we are training them to attend church regularly, we ourselves must commit to coming weekly, rain or shine. There will always be demands from friends like birthday celebrations and school activities on Sundays. Do not allow them to grow into a habit of making excuses and skipping church on the LORD’s Day. This will bring great harm to the soul. Train them to know the importance of honouring God on the LORD’s Day and putting God first in their lives.
Training the child often requires strict discipline and correction. Though it is always painful on the parent’s side to exercise discipline and correction, yet this is critical and important. We are reminded in Proverbs “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24). “Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death” (Proverbs 19:18). “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away” (Proverbs 22:15).
As we train our child in the way of the Lord, let us also do it with love, selflessness and with our children’s interests at heart. When the child sees the love, respect, and care, he knows his parents care and understand him. He will also know that they are committed to helping him succeed. With that, the child will not resist the training that is kind and selfless.
As parents, we should take time to reflect and resolve to correct our own deviation from our Lord’s commands. Let us resolve to set things right. There is no better place to start than from our home. Let us set aside time for family bible reading and prayer time. Seize every opportunity to attend Sunday worship, Christian fellowship, church prayer meeting and Sunday school.