A VISION FOR PARENTING
Part 3

"I have no greater joy than hear that my children walk in truth"
(3 John 4).

Today we learn more understanding of the kind of children God wants us to train.

9. Children Who Are Trained for Maturity

David prays that the land be delivered from foreigners who don't walk in God's ways and from those who speak falsehood. He prays this for a specific purpose, "That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace" (Psalm 144:11-12). David's vision is that the children growing up in the nation will not be deceived by the false and the foreign, but will be enabled to grow up into the fullness of who God intends them to be.

We have a responsibility to raise our sons to act like men, not young children. We must teach them to be brave, courageous, and strong to face the temptations and wiles of the devil. We must teach them, even when young, that their responsibility as a man is to provide, protect, and lead their future families in the ways of God. We train them for this purpose. At an early age, sons should learn to work hard and earn money as they prepare for their future life. The are not "weeds" who waste their life away with the pleasures of this world. The are "plants," growing up into maturity. If they do not grow up in their youth, when will they grow up?

Our daughters are like corner stones. The corner stone is the first stone set in the building from which all the other stones(Ephesians 2:20). We raise our daughters to understand their importance in establishing a godly home and how much depends on their attitude, aptitude, purpose, and vision in building a marriage and family that will glorify God.

One commentator writes on this passage, "Home becomes a palace when the daughters are maids of honor , and the sons are nobles in spirit; then the father is a king, and the mother a queen, and royal residences are more than outdone. A city built up of such dwellings is a city of palaces, and a state composed of such cities is a republic of princes.

10. Children Who Give us Rest and Delight

Proverbs 29:17 says, "Correct thy son, and he shall give thee REST; yea, he shall give DELIGHT unto thy soul." What wonderful words for parents. Godly parenting results in our enjoying peace and rest and our children being a delight. Isn't this what we long for? However, we can't enjoy this respite unless we first correct our children. The word "correct" is yasar and means "to chastise, discipline, instruct, punish, and admonish with the purpose of bringing reformation." We don't correct because we are frustrated with their behavior. We diligently and purposefully train because of the vision we have for our children. We expose foolishness and teaching wisdom (Proverbs 22:15, 23:13-15 and Hebrews 129-11). And, to enjoy peace in the household! Do you want to add an Amen?

11. Children Who are Faithful

Proverbs 20:6 asks the question, "But a faithful man who can find?" The word "faithful" means "trusty, someone who can be trusted." To train children who can be trusted is a powerful accomplishment. The world looks for faithful men and women, those who will be faithful to their marriage covenant, faithful to what they believe, and faithful to keep their word, no matter what the situation.

12. Children Who Walk in Truth

I love the words of the Apostle John who confesses, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 4). I long for my children to KNOW God's truth. But, even more importantly, I want them to WALK in the truth. I want it to be part of their every day experience. We show how this works by our own example to our children and also our daily teaching.

Psalm 119:9 says, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." It's God's Word that keeps our children pure from sin and on the right track. Therefore, it is our daily responsibility to diligently teach them His truth. A good quote for our children is: "God's Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from God's Word."

13. Children Who Know how to Work Hard

God created a beautiful home for the first couple. He then put them in this garden home to "dress it and to keep it" Genesis 2:15). The word "dress" means to "work hard, to serve." This is the first thing God gave man to do, and therefore it is one of the first things we should teach our children. We teach them the right attitude to work. We teach them to work hard. We teach them to not give up until the task is finished. We teach them that in everything we do God is our Employer and that we are really working for Him.

14. Children Who are Above the Norm

1 Chronicles 12:14-15 NASSB says, "The sons of Gad were captains of the army; he who was least was equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand." What an amazing Scripture. Are you raising children to be normal like everyone else around? Or, do you have a different standard. Are you raising children who would be equal to 100 others, or even 1,000 others?

Let's raise our vision.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

 

PRAYER:

Father God, I thank you that you give me this vision for my children because of your Father's heart. Help me to realize that there is nothing more important than raising obedient, God-fearing children to impact this world. Amen."

 

AFFIRMATION:

I have a very high calling to raise God's children. I could not be tempted by a lesser career.