In our CPR episode this week Pastors Nathanael Mayhew and Mark Tiefel take a look at the very important topic of Christian parenting, looking specifically at three different aspects: instruction, discipline, and showing love and respect.
Christian instruction lays an important foundation for parenting in general. The importance of instruction is seen in both the Old and New Testaments. In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Moses teaches the children of Israel the importance of Christian education: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” In Ephesians 6:4, the Apostle Paul writes, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Discipline can be a difficult subject to talk about in our society today, but the Scriptures, especially in the book of Proverbs, emphasize its importance. We look at two important guidelines about Christian discipline and talk about the importance of consistency.
Finally, we look at the importance of showing our children that we love them in a way they will understand and discuss how we can encourage our children to use their gifts to serve others.
We pray that this study will benefit you as you seek to raise your children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”