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One of the greatest blessings from God is the gift of children. Psalm 127:3 says “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him.” Hence parents have a responsibility to bring up their children with godly wisdom and attune their hearts to God. Parental responsibilities are very extensive from physical, mental and social to the spiritual development of the child. Some parents think that they can relegate the spiritual aspect to the Church’s Sunday School. Getting children to attend Sunday School is very good for children to get valuable Bible and Christian living teachings from Christian teachers. However, the parents should be the principal teachers of God’s truths and commands and be the main guide and example of Christian living.
Recently in our local newspaper there was an article on “helicopter parenting” and “free-range parenting”. Helicopter parenting consists of parents who hover over their children at all times, caring for their every need. The free-range movement “rejects the notion that children are in constant danger. They learn social skills through play, they learn to negotiate, compromise…” and by allowing their children to fail on their own, they grow independent and confident in the process. Whatever may be the mode of parenting, the Christian parents know that God watches over their children for “the LORD will watch over your coming and going” (Psalm 121:8). Parents should not be too caught up and be influenced by the latest new method or style, good as they may seem to be. Daily trusting God and seeking wisdom from Him is always the best way to go.
Wisdom is when a son heeds the instructions of his father. And wisdom teaching starts when the child is young – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). In the book of Proverbs there are many verses on discipline as being an important aspect of parenting – “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24). Using the rod does not necessarily mean physical punishment; it may involve the deprivation of a pleasant and enjoyable activity or the imposition of additional work for the errant and disobedient child. For a small child, standing in the corner is punishment that can be a good lesson for life.
The long-term outcome of godly parenting and discipline is wisdom and righteousness. It is beautifully described to be like “a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck” (Proverbs 1:9). Therefore parents should not be discouraged with the challenges and difficulties of bringing up their children with godliness and the fear of God. The Bible commands parents: “Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth” (Malachi 2:15).
