Proverbs 1:2-9; 22:2-6, Luis Cruz
The Christian home has been beset by parenting problems, simply because parents have not fully embraced biblical parenting. Biblical parenting requires full commitment to the Word of God. Parents must believe that the Bible is sufficient in addressing the complex problem of raising not just a good child, but a godly child.
Here are some practical steps from the book of Wisdom regarding raising a godly child.
1. Decide early to teach godliness to your child.
Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
Godliness is a way of life that is greatly influence by God’s word.
This way of life produces a good reputation on a child later in his life.
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
How to build a good name. (Prov. 22) Teach your child …
equality and fairness, “2 The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the maker of them all.”
discernment, “3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it.”
humility and respect to God, “4 The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches, honor and life.”
guard himself against evil schemes, “5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them.”
2. Train your child early to obedience.
“3To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” Proverbs 1:3, 8
The basic foundation in building good behavior, righteousness, and fairness to a child is biblical obedience. Biblical obedience shows…
complete trust,
confidence,
loving submission to God.
3. Teach biblical discernment to your child.
“10 My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. 11 If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; 12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; 14 cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”— 15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; 16 for their feet rush into evil,” Proverbs 1:10-16
He took the time to explain things in an easy and understandable way.
He gave practical examples of evil deeds (vv.11-14).
He taught the consequences of adopting evil ways.
He explained that the wrong crowd can get you in trouble (v.15a).
He admonished him to stay away from them (v.15b).
4. Introduce your child to Jesus.
Mark 10:14 and 16, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”… “And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
The spiritual roles of a parent.
Evangelist
Discipler
Mentor