IMITATE JEHOVAH WHEN TRAINING YOUR CHILDREN

"Don't all parents correct their children?" -HEBREWS 12:7, Contemporary English Version.


A SURVEY that was taken in Japan a few years ago revealed that about half of the adults interviewed felt that there was too little  communication between parents and their children and that parents indulged their children too much.   (Indulge, more like spoiled rotten brats ten times over) In another survey in that country, nearly a quarter of those who responded admitted that they did not know  how to interact with children. (Well,  you spoil them rotten  by giving them things beyond what you can afford)   This trend is not unique to the Orient.  "Many Canadian parents admitted they feel unsure how to be good parents,"  reported The Toronto Star. Everywhere, parents are fining it hard to bring up their children.

Why do parents have trouble rearing their children?   A major reason is that we are living in "the last days," and "critical times hard to deal with" are here.  (2 Timothy 3:1) In addition, "the inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up," states the Bible.  (Genesis 8:21)  And youths are especially vulnerable to the attacks of Satan, who like "a roaring lion" preys on the inexperienced.  (1 Peter 5:8) Obstacles certainly abound for Christian parents, who set out to bring up their children "in the discipline and mental regulating of Jehovah."  (Ephesians 6:4) How can parents help their children to grow up to be mature worshiper of Jehovah, able to distinguish "both right and wrong"?  -Hebrews 5:14.

"Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy," observed wise King Solomon.  (Proverbs 13:1; 22:15)  To rid their hearts of such foolishness, young ones required loving correction from their parents.  Youths, though, do not often resent counsel regardless of who gives it.  Parents, therefore, must learn to "train up a boy according to the way for him."  (Proverbs 22:6) When children take hold on such discipline, it can mean life to them.  (Proverbs 4:13) How vital that parents know  what is involved in training their young ones! 

Next time: IMITATE JEHOVAH WHEN TRAINING YOUR CHILDREN - Discipline-What It Means

The Watchtower, 2001