One of the flaws of Prophet Eli, despite all the gifts and authority he possessed, was his inability to be a good parent to his children. The same error he made was the same that Samuel made with his children too.
Parenting a child or children has been an arduous task since time immemorial. Taking a look at a few parents in the scriptures, we realize that a few of them failed when it comes to correct parenting, while a few succeeded. Instances of Prophet Eli, Prophet Samuel, and King David among others. All of these people failed to reach their children in the right way at some point or the other and the aftermath was a disaster.
Prov.22.6 - Point your kids in the right direction--when they're old they won't be lost. (MSB version).
This is what the Lord commanded all parents to do. It is expedient that every parent strives to train their child in the way of the Lord. It can be an arduous task as we have established earlier, but it is not an impossible task to do. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of what parenting means and the steps to be good parents in this fallen generation.
WHAT IS PARENTING?
Parenting refers to the process of raising and nurturing a child from infancy to adulthood. It involves providing the emotional, physical, social, and intellectual support a child needs to develop into a healthy and well-adjusted individual. Parenting encompasses various responsibilities, including:
Providing Basic Needs: Ensuring the child has access to food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.
Emotional Support: Offering love, care, and encouragement to build the child's confidence and sense of security.
Discipline and Guidance: Teaching children right from wrong, setting boundaries, and helping them develop self-control and responsibility.
Education and Development: Supporting the child's intellectual growth, problem-solving abilities, and curiosity.
Socialization: Helping the child learn how to interact with others, develop relationships, and understand social norms.
Spiritual Guidance: Just like what we have read in the book of Proverbs Chapter 22 verse 6, it is evident that parents are expected to give their children the spiritual guidance that they need, and when the children grow, they will not depart from it.
Parenting styles and approaches vary based on culture, religious beliefs, personal beliefs, and family circumstances. It is a dynamic and evolving process that adapts to the child’s age, personality, and developmental needs. This simply means that every parent has a culture, personal beliefs, religious beliefs, family circumstances, and values that they must be ready to present to their children. That is to say, a parent cannot give what he or she does not possess.
Many times, the behaviors, actions, and characters of children are a reflection of what they see their parents do. In all you do, remember that your children are your mirror; they reflect what you do, say, and believe in. If you want to know a bad parent, simply check through the lives of their child and vice versa. Whether parents teach it or not, children have a way of emulating and taking up the characters of their parents innately. It is an unconscious act that they do. This is the order of nature.
Now that we have established this, how can we be good parents in this fallen world where everything has turned upside down? Following the example of the scriptures, we will establish ways to parent a child or children correctly in this era.
Readiness.
Just like what the scriptures said, children are the heritage of the Lord.
Ps.127.3 - Don't you see that children are God's best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Ps.127.4 - Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.
Ps.127.5 - Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep. (MSB Version). Every parent must be ready to parent their children. Without readiness, it will be difficult to take up the responsibilities that come with God's gift of children. As a parent or as an upcoming parent, be ready to take the responsibilities that come with bearing children.
Prayerfully commit them.
I remember many times that my parents would always commit my life and that of my sisters into the hands of God. They believed that though they are trying their best to train us well, there are various teachings out there, especially when they are not there to give us guidance. Do not just be ready to parent them; pray for them every time. Your prayers go a long way to help them when they are faced with situations that you cannot help out with.
Behave the way you want them to.
Our Lord Jesus Christ had earthly parents whose actions were worthy of emulation for him. His father taught him how to be a carpenter and he really learned from him. His mother taught him how to yield to God and obedience. Behave the same way you want your children to behave. If you do not want them to smoke, do not do it. Whatever you consider as a bad habit, ensure that you do not harbor it in your life. Remember, that children take your actions unconsciously.
Discipline them.
There is an adage that says, “spare the rod and spoil the child”. This simply means that whoever withholds discipline from a child is spoiling such a child. Children must be disciplined when they do something wrong. Never try to pamper them when they are wrong.
Love them.
Many parents have defaulted in this aspect. They have failed to love their children and as a result, the children turn to society for love and in return, they get something else. Love your children, teach them in love, correct them in love and let them know that you love them by getting them gifts. By doing these, the children will not seek love elsewhere.
Children, as we have established, are the best gifts from God and nothing can be compared with them. Blessed is he who has them in his household. Do not be afraid to become a parent in this fallen world; instead, be ready to follow these steps that we have highlighted here in this article.
Remember, you can be the best parent for your children.
Follow us on our socials!
Comments
Post a Comment