I made it a goal at the end of 2007 to read the entire Bible through in year. It is now 2010 and I am still working on this goal. I have found it necessary to re-read chapters and meditate on things and because of this I have only just started the book of Proverbs. This being my favorite part of the Bible, I am eagerly gleaning all of the practical wisdom from this book. There is no other book of the Bible that shows so clearly the importance of being pure in marriage, raising children, and how to live your every day life. Especially because of this season of my life I am more and more convicted of the importance of teaching children the importance of Godly wisdom.
Along with the fact that raising children is just. plain. hard. work. comes the realization that the way in which we raise them is extremely important. And the age at which we start training them in Godly wisdom has to start young. I’m talking from the cradle young, folks.
Our world has it backwards. We start out with babies who grow into infants. We coddle them and give in to their every want because, well, “they are just babies!” From infants they become whiny, demanding toddlers. Moms and dads around America moan and sigh and complain of “the terrible twos.” Of course, inevitably, when some young parent is saying this, someone will pipe up “wait till they are teenagers.” And of course, no one bothers to correct these toddlers because – yes, you guessed it – “they are just babies!” The teenage years come and moody, rebellious youths are tolerated. And guess what? Something funny happens.
All of a sudden, in a desperate attempt at controlling their out-of-control progeny, parents start cracking down. These children that were basically left to themselves from birth on up are displaying the most outward show of their as yet unchecked sinful selves. Curfews are suddenly instated, rules on boy-girl relationships are produced, and grounding as the cure-all for any infractions against parental authority becomes the new norm.
Is it just me, or do you see anything wrong with this picture?
Children are born sinful. While it is hard to imagine that precious little human who smells so very heavenly is anything but perfect, they are sinners. Psalm 51:5 says “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” And left unchecked because of excuses on the part of the parents will bring forth heartache and grief.
I encourage you now to train up your children starting from the moment they are born. Obviously there are some training and discipline methods that will not work at this stage. But look at your family’s dynamics and see how you can start encouraging that baby to become part of a family, not the star of the family.
As they continue to grow, they are perfectly capable to abide by established boundaries set by Mom and Dad. Learning respect, obedience, and basic chores is a must at this time of their young lives. In fact if they learn these things now they will really never know a time when they did not have to do them. No need for balking and complaining when they are suddenly expected to start helping around the house or mind Mom and Dad. (Of course, children, being the perfect sinners they are, will at some point complain and moan. I am not promising perfect kids. That will not happen. Sorry)
This time is ripe for learning. Keeping them at your side and teaching and training every step of the way reaps benefits beyond what our world expects. Guiding these little hands and minds towards what is right and proper and Godly will help grow up Godly, respectful youth.
I encourage you to examine your family’s young ones. Are you helping them make the best start in life that you can? Encourage them early towards wanting to love and please their parents. The benefits are many.
Below I have included a list of resources that will help you in training and discipling your children. Some of these were included in my Homeschool Pre K training post but I have extended the list in order to give you more to choose from. God bless you on your journey towards parenting the way God would have you!
Helpful Child Training Resources
Shepherding a Child’s Heart
Honor Your Father and Mother (I highly recommend the resources available for purchase by Doorposts!)
Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World
(While I do not agree with everything the Bradrick’s recommend, I find this DVD set exceptionally wise and biblically sound)
Raising Godly Tomatoes
(The website Raising Godly Tomatoes is what I am most familiar with. I have not yet read the book.)
photo credit: redvisualg
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