Topic — The Home: An Institution For Child Training (2)
Dear Reader,
Last week, we saw the home as the first institution for child-training. This week, we shall be examining some Scriptural examples, being the most powerful tool for child-training.
God’s instructions begin with the expectation that parents will accept and fully live by His commandments. One of the most powerful tools in child training is ‘example’. One practical example carries more impact than a hundred words. Words may be forgotten with time, but practical pictures will always stick.
The Bible says: And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
The above scripture explains that being an example is the most powerful teaching method of all; but that’s not all. God did not only tell parents to teach their children His ways, but He instructed them to do it diligently. He said it should be done throughout their days: when they are sitting, walking, going to bed or getting up in the morning.
Everything reproduces after its kind. Your children will prefer to do what you do, than what you preach or say. You should live a life worthy of emulation. The Bible says: Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (I Timothy 4:12).
Parents are instructed to be examples not just in words but deeds. You need to watch what you say and how you act around your children. Many times, out of anger, you may want to abuse your children; but if you let those words escape out of your lips, you have sown a negative seed. Don’t speak carelessly, not even when you are angry. Let your words be gracious, life-transforming and destiny-moulding.
Children are a reflection of their parents. Murmuring and complaining parents will definitely have the same attitude reflected in their children; just as stingy parents will have stingy children.
Do not expect a “do as I say” approach to bring success in child training. Nothing is more ineffective when a parent uses foul language but tries to correct his child for using same. How can a parent teach responsibility if his own actions are irresponsible?
Abraham was conscientious in obeying God, and his descendants – Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, also diligently followed same. Your own example is paramount in properly influencing your children because they are quick to notice discrepancies between what you ask them not to do and what you do yourself.
Paul pointed out this principle to the Jews, who were trying to influence the gentiles (non-Jews) but were hypocritical: Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written (Romans 2:21-24).
Regardless of what parents say, most young people will adopt their parents’ standards and lifestyles. In this case, actions do speak louder than words. Your children are watching the way you maltreat their mother and saying, “If this is what marriage is all about, I don’t think there is need for me to get married”. There are cases like that in our society today because of the negative examples parents have set before their children. I see a change coming your way today in Jesus’ name!
When children are properly taught Biblical principles, they become great people. When they go to school, they understand that morally upright people live by a code of conduct that requires them to act honourably and show respect to others. Thus, it is time to be a worthy example because you are not just dealing with children but destinies. Don’t be careless!
The grace to be a positive example to your children can only be given to you when you are born again. To be born again means to surrender your life to Christ. This is by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Raising Godly Children, Understanding Motherhood, Building A Successful Family and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.