I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t one.
I made plenty of mistakes in raising our kids but God has been faithful, even in my blunders.
As a parent, I have found the greatest thing I can do is raise my children to love the Lord and have a foundation of His word to direct them. My opinions and successes and failures in life, my life experience has no real value unless it is based on the word of God. That is a sure foundation!
“How can a young person live a pure life? By obeying your word.
10 I try with all my heart to serve you. Help me obey your commands.
11 I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you.
12 LORD, you are worthy of praise! Teach me your laws.
13 I will repeat the laws we have heard from you.
14 I enjoy following your rules as much as others enjoy great riches.
15 I will study your instructions. I will give thought to your way of life.
16 I enjoy your laws. I will not forget your word.” Psalm 119:9-16
These are the words of King David. As a young man he grew up trusting the Word of God. He found strength, wisdom and earned favor with those who were his superiors by living what he learned from God’s word.
Then he had a few years where he trusted in himself and his station in life and he failed in his personal life and he failed his children. It didn’t take him long to repent, he was restored and his life became an example of godliness again.
His son Solomon became king following David’s death. It is said that he was the wisest and wealthiest man to have ever lived. He gave this instruction to his sons.
“These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. 6 These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings.
7 Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the LORD, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn.8 My son, listen to your father when he corrects you, and don’t ignore what your mother teaches you. 9 What you learn from your parents will bring you honor and respect, like a crown or a gold medal.” Proverbs 1: 1-8
I encourage you parents and grandparents, keep the word of God before your children and grandchildren. Let it be your instruction to them. We don’t need to preach AT them but live the Word of God before them. Pray with them – Pray for them – Plant God’s word in their lives and watch it grow and bring a harvest of good for them. They are worth it!
We have one example to follow – that is our loving perfect heavenly Father.