Train Your Child From Infancy

Conclusion of  INCULCATE THE TRUTH IN YOUR CHILD

Be a teacher. "You must inculcate  [these words] in your son," said Jehovah.  The context tells you what and how to teach.  First, "you must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force."  (Deuteronomy 6:5)  Then, "these words . . . you must inculcate." Impart instruction aimed at developing wholes-souled  love for Jehovah and his laws. (Compare Hebrews 8:10) The word "inculcate" means to teach by repetition. So Jehovah, in effect, tells you that a primary way to help your children to develop a godly personality is to talk about him on a consistent basis.  This includes having a regular Bible study with them. 

Most  parents know that getting information into a child's heart is not easy.  The apostle Peter urged fellow Christians: "As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word."  (1 Peter 2:2)  The expression "form a longing" suggests that many do not naturally hunger for spiritual food. Parents need to find way to develop that longing in their child.

Jesus reached hearts by using illustrations. (Mark 13:34; Luke 10:29-37) This 
teaching method is especially effective with children. Teach Bible principles by using colorful, interesting stories, perhaps those found in the publication My Book of Bible Stories.  Get the children involved. Let them use their creativity in drawing and acting out Bible events. Jesus also used questions.   (Matthew 17:24-27) Imitate his method during your family study. Instead of simply stating a law of God, ask questions like, Why did Jehovah give us this law?  What will happen if we keep it? What will happen if we don't keep it?   Such questions will help a child to reason and to see that God's laws  are practical and good. -Deuteronomy 10:13.

By being an example, a companion,a communicator, and a teacher, you can help your child from his earliest years to form a personal relationship with Jehovah God. This relationship will encourage your child to be happy as a Christian.  He will strive to live up to his faith even when faced with peer pressure and temptations. Always help him to appreciate this precious relationship. -Proverbs 27:11. 

Next time: Train Your Child From Infancy/ THE VITAL NEED OF DISCIPLINE

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS