Cornerstones of Parenting

Train up your child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov.22:6

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward Psa.127:3

Parenting extends beyond the day of childbirth. We can discern from the nine months pregnancy period and the anxiety of the labor period that parenting is a lot of work. Excellence in parenting equals competence, sacrifice and devotion.

Competence: ‘…in the way he should go‘, this means God has a specified way He expects children to go. It is your job as a parent to inquire of the Lord diligently concerning your child. God expects you to acquire the required skills to train your child. Buy books on parenting and seek counsel from people who have gone ahead of you. Pay attention to the things God places around you to sharpen your skill. Pay attention to the peculiarity of your child so you know how to shepherd the course of his/her life. Understand the importance of a godly foundation, not sparing the rod. Teach your child the Lord’s ways.

Sacrifice: Parenting is a call to selflessness. The kind of food your child needed when he was a baby is different from what he will eat as a toddler. You will have to lie awake at night to keep watch, give up your favourite TV programs, your quarterly wardrobe change and redecorate your living room to make it safe. Your child is your fruit, learning from the One who neither sleeps nor slumbers, parenting is a life long call.

Devotion: Your children, from watching your devotion to God also learn devotion to God. Children learn by observing. Your devotion to God even makes it possible for you to learn about your child before he is born. Develop their interest in God from childhood.

Thought: God has put you in charge of these little ones, how they turn out is your responsibility.

Prayer: Lord God, the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, please equip me with the right skills for parenting. Make me discerning and sensitive to my children. I ask for help with understanding your call on their lives so I can guide them in your way in Jesus Name.