Train Your Child to Serve Jehovah

SHOW INSIGHT

Jesus showed insight by looking beyond the obvious and discerning why people acted in a certain way. On one occasion, some of his listeners in Galilee appeared eager to follow him.  (John 6:22-24) But Jesus, who could read hearts, discerned that the people  were more interested in physical food than in what he taught. (John 2:25) He saw what was wrong, patiently corrected them and explained how they could improve. -Read John 6:25-27. 

Although you cannot read hearts, you too can show insight and learn how your child feels about the field ministry. Many parents include short breaks during field service to allow their children to rest and enjoy some refreshments. Yet, you might look beyond the obvious and ask yourself, 'Does my child enjoy the ministry or the breaks?' If you discern that the ministry could be more interesting or more rewarding for your children, set goals with them. Use creativity to help them have a full share as your preaching companions. 

Jesus also showed insight by identifying missteps that lead to sin. For example, his followers  knew that sexual immorality is wrong.  But Jesus warned them about the steps  leading to immorality, saying:  "Everyone who keeps on looking at  woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If, now, your right eye is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you." (Matthew 5:27-29) Those words were very timely for Christians living under Roman rule.  At Roman stage plays,  "eye and ear alike saw and heard indecencies," wrote one historian,  "and the lewdest scenes were the most applauded."  How loving and insightful of Jesus to warn his disciples about things that would make it hard to stay morally clean!

Insight can help you to protect your children from spiritual harm.  Today, children may be exposed to pornography and other immoral material at a younger age than ever before. Of course, Christian parents tell their children that unclean entertainment is wrong. However, insight will also help you to understand how your child might become curious about pornography.  Ask yourself:  'What may tempt  my child to look at pornography?  Does he know why it is so dangerous?  Am I approachable so that he will come to me for help if he is ever tempted to look at pornography?  Even while your children are quite young, you could say to them: "If you ever  come across an immoral website and you feel tempted to look at it, please come and talk to me . You don't have to be ashamed. I want to  help you."

Insight will also help you to choose your own entertainment prudently.  "What we as parents approve of in the way of music, movies, or books sets the tone for the family," says Pranas, quoted earlier.  "You can say a lot about a lot of things, but your children will watch what you do and imitate you."  If your children see you carefully choosing clean entertainment they will probably be moved to make similar choices. -Romans 2:21-24. 

Next time: Train Your Child to Serve Jehovah -THE TRUE GOD WILL LISTEN TO YOU

From The Watchtower magazine