REARING CHILDREN ACCORDING TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Merely possessing a saw or a hammer does not make one a skilled carpenter. Likewise, simply having children does not make  one a skilled parent.  Knowingly or unknowingly, parents often bring up their children the way they themselves were brought up.  Thus, faulty parenting techniques are sometimes passed on from one generation to the next.  An ancient Hebrew proverb says: "Fathers are the ones that eat unripe grapes, but it is the teeth of the sons that get set on edge."  Yet, the Scriptures show that a person does not have to follow the course set out by his parents.  He can choose a different path,one influenced by Jehovah's statutes. -Ezekiel 18:2, 14, 17.

Jehovah expects Christian parents to give their children proper guidance and care.  Paul wrote: "Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith." ( 1 Timothy 5:8)  What strong words! fulfilling your role as a provider, which includes caring for your children's physical,spiritual and emotional needs, is a godly person's privilege and responsibility.  The Bible furnishes principles that can help parents build a happy environment for their children.  Consider some of these.

Set a fine example.  Israelite parents were commanded:  "You must inculcate [God's words] in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up."  Parents were to teach God's standards to their children.  But this injunction was prefaced by the statement: " These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be in your heart." (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) Yes, parents cannot give what they do not have.  God's laws must first be inscribed on your hearts of your children. -Proverbs 20:7; compare Luke 6:40.

Provide assurance of your love. At Jesus' baptism, Jehovah declared: "You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you." (Luke 3:22) Jehovah thus acknowledged his Son, freely expressing approval of him and giving assurance of His love.  Jesus later said to his Father:Your loved me before the founding of he world."  (John 17:24) As godly parents, then, give your children verbal and physical expressions of your love for them-and do this often.  Always remember that "love builds up." -1 Corinthians 8:1.

Next time: Conclusion of REARING CHILDREN ACCORDING TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995