These are excerpted from an excellent article by Matt Schmuker on the 9marks website.
- To be a faithful steward of your children you must abide in Christ (John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”).
- “Trickle down theory” – Mom’s daily devotion naturally trickles down to encouragement and instruction in the Lord for the children.
- Not listening to your children causes you to misjudge them (James 1:19-20: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”).
- Our task list is not as important as our children’s thought life.
- Preach the gospel of grace, not self-discipline.
- Parents should become “smaller” as their children become bigger. In other words, a parent should become more transparent in confessing one’s sin and in sharing past struggles as children mature. Your children should hear more about your fight for faith as they grow older. Don’t be a plastic Christian!
My comments…
How often have I been guilty of number three? I don’t think I can count that high.
How important is point number five? I remember hearing a seminar at Shepherd’s Conference titled “How Not to Raise a Pharisee” or something like that. Too much of our Christian teaching on parenting leaves the gospel out. How desperately I want the gospel to permeate our home!
With two in high school and one in middle school – I get point number six. In my pride I might not welcome it. But I get it and, by God’s grace, intend to live it out.