We all know we should take care of our children physically — have you thought about leading your children spiritually?
Nothing in life is more important than our relationship with God, and as a parent, nothing is more important than our children’s relationship with God.
Jesus said “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
When we apply that to parenting, what profit do we have if we gain the whole world, and lose our children?
Although we don’t “save” our children, God gives us an enormous amount of influence and opportunity to lead our children to Him- something we can’t neglect!
As J.C. Ryle said,
Precious, no doubt, are these little ones in your eyes; but if you truly love them, then often think about their souls. Nothing should concern you as greatly as their eternal destiny. No part of them should be so dear to you as that part which will never die.
This is the thought that should be uppermost on your mind in all that you do for your children. In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, ‘How will this affect their souls?’
http://www.jcryle.info/2018/03/training-your-child-means-watching-over.html
I believe there are 4 basic areas of parenting:
1. Fellowship
2. Influences
3. Discipleship
4. Home life
These are some questions you can ask yourself, and think “how can I improve?”
1. Fellowship
- Am I giving my children at least 15 minutes of focused attention?
- Am I listening or “too busy”?
- Am I patient, choosing not to vent when I feel annoyed?
- Do I treat them how I want them to be, not how they’re acting?
2. Influences
- Is my spiritual life worth following?
- Am I guarding them from harmful influences?
- Am I surrounding them with influences that draw them closer to God? (mature Christians, media, music)
3. Discipleship
- Am I teaching them God’s Word, especially the words of Jesus? (Deut 6:6–7; Matthew 7:24)
- Do I discipline in a way that gets to their heart?
- Am I consistent with discipline?
- Am I preparing them for a life of serving God?
4. Home life
- Marriage: Do we model a joyful/peaceful relationship? Do our children feel secure about our marriage, knowing we’re on the same team?
- Sibling relationships- Am I intentionally promoting unity or just settling squabbles? What activities have I chosen that promote togetherness?
- Do we have decent structure/routines?
- Do our children have enough enjoyable activities?
- Do we have purpose/vision in life, as a family? Is there a sense of direction, especially for serving God?
https://www.paultripp.com/
https://shepherdingtheheart.org/
https://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/
https://amotherfarfromhome.com/
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/seven-traits/