Raising Children Right In a World of Wrong

Raising Children Right - In a World of Wrong

Peter pictures Christians as sojourners and pilgrims traveling through an evil and hostile world toward their heavenly home (I Peter 2:11). Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). The fact remains that in this corrupt world we must spend all the days of our mortal lives and here we must raise our children (I Corinthians 5:10).

There is no denying that steering youngsters safely through adolescence and into a stable Christian adulthood is more difficult than in days gone by. The corrupting influence of movies, television and the entertainment industry is pervasive. In days past parents received lots of help from public schools in molding and shaping the moral character of their offspring.

Now that powerful anti-Christian forces have commandeered public education, that help is forever gone. Worse, the educational system is used to weaken and marginalize their faith and promote secular values and behavior. What can parents do?

The church is parents' best ally in this contest for the souls of their children. Being a volunteer community, the church can assist only those parents who will accept and utilize what she has to offer.

Children are molded and shaped by participating in worship and hearing God's Word taught. They are influenced even more by regular participation in well-taught Bible classes.

Association with other young people who are under Christian influence helps them. Participation in Christian youth activities and fellowship offsets the pressure of their non-Christian peers.

Since the earthly happiness and success and the eternal well being of your children are at stake, it is worthwhile to consider alternative education. Christian schools are a blessing if you can afford them. Home schooling is a possible option. In these realms your children can receive a basic education plus moral and spiritual instruction in a wholesome environment.

Perhaps the most useful training is what parents provide in the home environment. Make it part of your family's daily routine to turn off the TV and sit down together to train up your child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). Read a portion of Scripture aloud and then briefly discuss its meaning and application.

If your kids are small, use a Children's Bible Story Book such as Hurlburt's Story of the Bible or Egermeirs' Bible Story Book. For devotionals, a basic modern speech translation will be more understandable for children.

Other tremendous tools are The Book of Virtues and The Moral Compass edited by William J. Bennett. Every family should have and use these priceless volumes in educating their children. Read a selection or two and discuss them. Review them from time to time.

If a problem has arisen during the day, go back to an appropriate story or poem and use it to address the matter. Always close your session with a family prayer. This along with grace at each meal is an essential part of a child's moral shaping. Be consistent in this regimen. Let nothing interfere.

You will never regret the time invested. The results will be reflected in the moral and spiritual strength of your children. It will also bring joy to your heart now and forever.

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