August 18, 2010

{Parenting}

I just have to take a minute to brag on my church, Wildwood Community Church.  I always look forward to going because I know that we are consistently going to be fed the Word of God.   We are being taught sound doctrine and theology...the 'meat' of the Word.  I know our teachers are spending hours in the Word preparing and also reading and sharing the thoughts of respectable Christian authors/leaders such as MacArthur, Piper, Luther, Pack and Sproul.  Especially when it comes to parenting...such great wisdom in our leaders at Wildwood.  Which brings me to share a little of what we've been taught this summer on parents and children in Proverbs.  These things are just some of the highlights, but a few things to think on...

One thing that really hit me and made my heart sink a little was this...
Children will replicate the sins of their parents (sins that they are observing or witnessing) The character of the parents is revealed in their children.  Our children learn from us and reflect who we are. 
I don't know about you, but that made me want to first..throw up, but secondly, to really draw closer to the Lord so my children are observing, not a perfect mother, but one who seeks HIM.

A few more bits and pieces...

*Train them in truth.  Turn their eyes from you to God.  Target and appeal to their heart.
*Let them know we pray because Jesus is the one who meets our needs!
*Train their conscience...listen to Jesus' voice
*We discussed how instucting them at such a young age ultimately prepares them for adulthood.  We are to equip them to become independent, godly, wise and self-controlled adults.
*'Because I said so' or 'If you don't, I'm going to...'  aren't as effective as "Because the Bible tells us that...."
*Prov.13:24, 19:18, 15:32-33, 17:6, 7:1-3, 3:21-24, 2:1-2

We talked about teaching your children the 4 R's of Instruction...
Recognize the situation
Respond...by running from (repent) or running to (faith)
Relying on wisdom....from the Word, parents, and their conscience
Reaping...consequences or blessings

I love this quote from Alistair Begg:
"I would use every ordinary thing that happened in every ordinary day to point them to God."
Such a great example of living out Deut.6:4-9.  What are some experiences you've had w/ your children where you've used ordinary things to point them to the Lord?