Thoughts on Scripture and Child Training, Part 2

     As I have looked more at the topic of child training in the light of Scripture, I have found that it does have a lot to say on the matter.  I was saddened to see that I have not always implemented Scripture very effectively during child training and have been challenged to dig into the Bible for guidance on this all-important issue. Parents, grandparents, extended family, children's church leaders and more could benefit from looking at Scripture as a guide for impacting our children for the Kingdom.

    First, the Bible teaches us that each child is a blessing from the Heavenly Father.  Psalm 127:3 says, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."  Psalm 139:13-16 is a beautiful description of the how EVERY life is handformed by our Creator with a purpose.  From the very beginning, God has a plan and design for each one.  As a parent, my view of my child is impacted when I realize that I am being entrusted with the physical, spiritual, and emotional nurturing of a life that God designed to be a blessing and has a pre-designed plan by his/her Creator. My ideas or plans are really irrelevant. My husband and I need to be seeking out how to raise this child to be sensitive to God's leading.  We are not the owners of this child, we are caretakers, or shepherds, entrusted with the care of this child's heart.  What a privilege and responsibility!

    Next, we must identify our goal in child training. Do we want them to have good grades in school?  Do we want them to have a good career?  Those are all well and good, but they are not the ultimate goal of a Christian parent.  Each child is an eternal soul. The goal of parenting is that our children experience eternity at the feet of Jesus.  In eternity, those earthly goals will mean nothing if they have not been covered by the blood of Jesus.  Prioritizing our goals and ensuring that the goals set are in line with Scripture is crucial. 

    Once we are viewing our child as a gift and a blessing, divinely created with purpose and an eternal soul, we get down to the nitty, gritty day-to-day "how-to's."  Does Scripture give us any practical clues?  Why, yes. Yes, it does.  Ephesians 6:4 instructs us to bring our children up "in the discipline and admonition of the Lord." Basically, it means, all the principles of Christ-likeness that we are to exhibit as Christ-followers we should exemplify and teach to our children. 

    As we seek to shepherd our child's heart, we should continually be directing them back to Jesus.  And I do mean continually.  Deuteronomy 6:7-9 says we are to be discussing the Holy Scriptures at every turn: when we lie down, when we rise, when walk along the way.  We are to even write them on the doorposts of our home! Our children should be immersed in Scripture at every turn, as long as they are in our home. Personally, this has been one point in which I am actively seeking to have more diligence.  We can worry that we are "preaching" too much or "sound silly."  God commands parents to live this out.  It is not optional for a Christian parent. 

    In areas of obedience, attitudes, personal care, health, self-control, striving for excellence, and many more.... each of these should be guided through the Scriptural examples of growing to be more Christ-like.  We obey because we are called to obey, just as Jesus obeyed His Heavenly Father.  We care for our health and our body because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.  Love, joy, patience, self-control, and kindness are fruits of the Spirit that we desire. We strive for excellence as we give ourselves wholeheartedly to the task that God has placed before us. These are just a few examples. 

    Once more, I am sharing some highlights of my own personal study and areas that I am challenged to be a better shepherd of my children's hearts.  I pray that it may be beneficial to others as well. 

Soli Deo Gloria!

💓 Heather Sparks💓