Parenting is never easy, the bible is the main rule book for parenting. It says in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This shows up that as parents we should start training from an early age. The way to train our children is found in the scriptures in the bible.
The Lord gave Moses the commandments and instructed the people of Israel to speak them constantly and keep them in their hearts. We still need to practice these ways to help us to be a better parent. Also to write them upon their doorpost and pass them down to their children. This can be seen in Deuteronomy 11:18-20.
With all that is happening around us sometimes we forget to tell our children about God’s commandments and his ways. We should get back to the basics, of teaching our children from the word of God. The commandments are found in Deuteronomy 5:7-21. Remind your children about the commandments:
- “Thou shalt have none other gods before me.”- Deuteronomy 5:7
- Thou shalt not make thee any graven image or idols – Deuteronomy 5:8
- Do not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: – Deuteronomy 5:11
- Keep the Sabbath day holy. – Deuteronomy 5:14
- Honor your father and your mother. – Deuteronomy 5:16
- “Thou shalt not kill.” – Deuteronomy 5:17
- “Neither shalt thou commit adultery.” – Deuteronomy 5:18
- Thou shalt not steal.- Deuteronomy 5:19
- “Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.” – Deuteronomy 5:20
- Thou shall not covet. – Deuteronomy 5:21
We should remind ourselves of these commandments regularly and teach them to our children. Many of the problems in the world today are a result of people not obeying these rules laid down by the heavenly father. As parents, it is our job to set good examples for our children to follow. It all boils down to choosing which way to go. The way of the world or the Lord’s way. The Lord’s way is best and it will help you to be a better parent.
Teach them to follow Jesus
This should not be much of a boggler, because the way of the Lord is the best way. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua asks the people to choose who they would serve. We are being asked the same question on a daily basis. Our lives should mirror the choice that we make. If we serve the Lord then we want our children and all the member of our household to serve the Lord as well. Pass down, good Godly habits to your children. Their eyes are following you, to see how you deal with everyday problems.
We want to avoid the penalties of sin; so we choose to obey the words of the Lord. Serve the Lord with passion and zeal. He deserves to be adored and magnified. It is time to follow the Lord with our whole heart and let our lives reflect his glory. Time to include God in all areas of our lives, not just on Sundays. Including God in everything will help to make you a better parent. God’s blessings are available we just need to follow his instructions.
Find the time to teach your children about God. Here are some ways to include faith-building in your everyday routine.
Start with bedtime prayers and stories
Read your children stories from the Bible at bedtime. Find ways of getting them engaged in the word of God. Stories from the bible are so entertaining, intriguing, and fun. They can learn many valuable lessons from these stories. Teach your children to pray. Jesus taught his disciples. Start with “Jesus wept. ” then move on to the Lord’s prayer. Cultivate this structure of prayer and bible stories into their nightly routine. Let it become as natural as brushing their teeth. This will help you to be a better parent
Start with prayer meetings and family devotions
Keep your family life solid by having family devotion and regular prayer meetings. Call it “Family time of worship.” Let it be a way of connecting with your children while spending time in the presence of the Lord.
Start when you are in the car
We spend so much time with our children in the car. Long trips to see parents and grandparents; short trips to drop them off at school. Ride to their friend’s house. These are good times to spend telling them about the love of God, and getting to know what is happening in their lives.
Start at the Dinner Table
Start by giving God thanks for the food that you are about to eat. Let it be a habit to say grace before eating. Include your children in the prayers.
Start when you are on vacation
Long or short vacation time is good to start telling your children about the goodness and favor of God. Talk to them about his kindness and his grace. Spend time reading the bible together or listening to gospel music. Worship together to bring down the glory of God.
Start with stories from your childhood
A good way to connect with your children is to tell them stories of your past that are based on your encounter with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Tell them about your faith journey or that of your parents. This will help build their faith when they hear of the awesomeness of your God and how he brought you through those difficult times.
Start when you spend quality time with them
The time that you spend one-on-one with your children is precious and memorable. You can use this time to tell them about God and his goodness. They will always remember the life-changing principles that you taught them.
A good parent always looks out for the well-being of their children. This does not only mean their physical needs but also their spiritual needs as well. Do whatever you can to help increase their faith in Almighty God.
Prayer to help build strong relationship with your children
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you love me and that you are showing me how to be a better parent. Father, you are the good father who loves your children. Teach me to love them as you love me. Help me to lead them to you and to be a good example for them to follow. Guide our steps in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.