A PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR PARENTS

Jesus set an example for parents in the way he treated children.  When others tried to prevent the little ones from approaching Jesus, he said: "Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them."  The Bible says that he then "took the children  into his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands upon them." (Mark 10:13-16) Since Jesus took time for his little ones, should you not do the same for your own sons and daughters?  They need, not small bits of your time, but large amounts of it. You need to take time to teach them, for that is what Jehovah instructs parents to do. -Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

As this world becomes ever more wicked, children need parents who will protect them from people who seek to harm them, such as sexual predators.  Consider how Jesus protected his disciples, whom he affectionately called "little children."  When he was arrested and would  soon be killed, Jesus made the way for them to escape.  (John 13:33; 18:7-9)    As  a parent, you need to be alert to the Devil's attempts to harm your little ones.  You need to give them advance warning.  (1 Peter 5:8)  Never before has the threat to their physical, spiritual, and moral safety been greater. 

On the night before Jesus died, his disciples argued about who was greater among them. Rather than become angry with them, Jesus lovingly continued to appeal to them  by word and example.  (Luke 22:24-27; John 13:3-8)  If you are a parent, can you see how you might follow Jesus' example in the way you correct your children? True, they need discipline, but it should be given to "the proper degree" And never in anger.  You would not want to speak thoughtlessly "as with the stabs of a sword."  (Jeremiah 30:11; Proverbs  12:18) Discipline should be delivered in such a way that your child  will later see how appropriate it was. -Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:9-11. 

Next time: A MODEL FOR CHILDREN

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006