At Home with Susan
Monthly Column by Susan Sikes

Being a parent is one of the greatest responsibilities anyone could ever have. When you think about the impact you have on another person’s life, as well as future generations, it can be overwhelming! We are called not only to love and nurture our children, but also to train them in the way they should go. To do this successfully, we must call upon the Lord to guide us.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6).

As a teacher in a public school, I see all sorts of children with a variety of behaviors. I also get to see what the children accept as a normal part of life due to the circumstances in which they have been raised. You would never believe how powerful the examples are that you set for your children -– good or bad. We must examine ourselves in all areas to make sure the Lord wants us teaching the lessons that are displayed in our actions.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7a).

The Bible is filled with advice on raising children. Here are a few examples:

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him" (Psalm 127:3).
See your children as a gift that the Lord has entrusted you with while here on earth. Since they really belong to Him, it is a matter of stewardship. We are called to protect and train the Lord’s vessels.

"Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth" (Psalm 127:4).
Just like arrows, children are not meant to always be “kept.” When the time is right, we are to release them, gently guiding them in the direction they should go. The one who is holding the arrow has a powerful part in determining the direction.

The way in which we raise our children will have an effect on future generations. Of the Lord’s teachings it is said:

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done" (Psalm 78:4).

"Which He commanded our forefathers to teach their children; so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands" (Psalm 78:5a-7).

What a charge and privilege He has given us as parents. Let us purpose to teach our children His precepts, and always guide them toward Him. Again, without prayer, we will always struggle in this area. We must rely on Him to give us the wisdom we will need in each situation to take care of His children.

If anyone is interested, I have a couple of Godly Character Charts posted on my website that you can download. Although designed for girls, the character traits are appropriate for boys as well. For older boys, they also serve as an example of what to look for in a Godly woman. For the free downloads, go to the Downloads Page at OutofTheNestAndBeyond.com.

© 2007 by Susan Sikes