INCULCATE THE TRUTH IN YOUR CHILD

The quality of a building depends largely on the sort of materials used in the structure. The apostle Paul said that the best construction materials for Christian personalities are "gold, silver, precious stones." (1 Corinthians 3:10-12) These represent qualities  such as faith, wisdom, discernment, loyalty, respect, and loving appreciation for Jehovah and his laws. (Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 3:13, 14)  How can parents help their children from earliest childhood to develop these qualities?  By following a procedure outlined long ago.

Shortly before the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land, Jehovah told Israelite parents:  "These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them 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." (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) Yes, parents need to be examples, companions, communicators, and teachers.

Be and example. First, Jehovah said: "These words . . .must prove to be on your heart." The he added:"You must inculcate them in your son." So Godly qualities must first be in the child's heart.  the parent must love the truth and live it. Only then can he reach the child's heart. (Proverbs 20:7)  Why? Because children are influenced more by what they see than what they hear. -Luke 6:40; 1 Corinthians 11:1. 

Be a companion.  Jehovah told parents in Israel:  'Speak with your children when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road. This requires spending time with the children no matter how busy the parents are.  Jesus evidently felt that children were deserving of his time.  During the final days of his ministry, "people began bringing him young children for him to touch these.'  What was Jesus' reaction?  "He took the children  into his arms and began blessing them." (Mark 10:13, 16) Imagine, the final hours of Jesus' life were ticking away.  Still, he gave these children his time and attention.  What a fine lesson!

Next time: Continue with: INCULCATE THE TRUTH IN YOUR CHILD

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996