Parents -Shepherd Your Children - GUIDE YOUR CHILDREN

A good shepherd uses a staff to direct and defend his flock.  One of his primary goals is to guide his sheep to "a good pasture." (Ephesians 34:13, 14)  As a parent, do you not have similar goal spiritually? You want to guide your children to serve Jehovah. You want your children  to feel as did the psalmist who wrote: "To do your will. O my God, is my delight, and your law is  deep within me." (Psalm 40:8)  Young ones who develop such appreciation will dedicate their life to Jehovah and get baptized.  Understandably,  they should take such a step when they are mature enough to make that decision and have a genuine desire to serve Jehovah.

What, though, do not seem to be making spiritual progress-perhaps even questioning your faith?  Strive to inculcate in them a love for Jehovah God  and appreciation for all that he has done.  (Revelation 4:11)  Then when they are in position  to do so, they will be able to make a personal decision about worshipping God. 

In the meantime,though, what if your children begin to express doubts?  How can you shepherd them and help them to see that serving Jehovah really is the best way of life and will contribute to their lasting happiness?  Try to determine the underlying cause of their doubts..  For example, does your son really  disagree with Bible teachings, or does he just lack the confidence needed to defend them in front of his peers?  Does your daughter really have an issue with the wisdom of God's standards, or does she just feel lonely or excluded by others?

Next time: Parents-Shepherd Your Children - Conclusion of Guide Your Children

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