1 minute read
Gathering Five PARENTS AND KIDS
Raising a Person
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise.
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Ephesians 6:2
Children are wet cement! Whatever is imprinted on the life of a young child will eventually harden into their character and worldview. The first relationship a person has is with his or her parents. From the moment of birth, significant patterns are laid down in a child’s behavior that may affect them for their entire life. The very presence or absence of a birth parent can change the perspective one has of relationships from day one. Parents are the people who shape the first few years of a little one. That is why it is so crucial that there is a real relationship between parent and child that reflects the Golden Rule.
Though many parents tend to repeat the mistakes of their own upbringing, the Golden Rule provides help. Raise a child the way you would want to be raised. Train up a little one by treating them with respect and appreciation, and they will have a better chance of becoming a welladjusted adult.
The parent’s biblical role is to be in control of the home without being militant, managing the family in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere without becoming permissive. Parents are called to nurture but not smother, discipline but not condemn, and above all, present an exemplary model of the character and love of Jesus. This may be an ambitious task, but it is imperative for the survival of the family. The spiritual upbringing of children is a primary concern in scripture. If parents abuse this role, whole generations will pay for it.
Likewise, a child is taught by the Bible to respond appropriately to their parent. Proverbs is clear that parental instruction should be valued. The wise child is the one who learns from their parents, both valuing and obeying their instruction. The real task for parents is to lovingly guide children to follow Jesus. Though it might seem challenging in this world of cultural pressure, rebellious youth, and broken homes, God still honors His Golden Rule. He is still the One Who honors and protects the families of faith.
