Biblical Parenting
Parenting is not for the faint of heart! Over the past several months, I have been blessed to take part in several conversations around the topic of parenting with folks from our church. This has brought to mind for me how crucial it is that we equip our parents, and lay-parents for the work of parenting.(Lay-parents are all of you reading who do not have children in the church but are covenant members and play a critical role in helping shape and influence all the children in our church). Scripture puts the responsibility before us very clearly:
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. (Psalm 127:3)
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6),
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. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (Proverbs 13:24)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
Children are a wonderful gift from our gracious God. We must never forget that foundational truth and regularly thank God for our children. This gift is given, though, with significant responsibility. They are a gift that must be cultivated, prepared, poured into, and shepherded, all to the glory of God. But how do we do this faithfully? How do we train, discipline, teach, guide, love, and enjoy in a Biblically faithful, God-glorifying way? It is to that end that I wanted to share several resources that I have found helpful over the years. I pray that they are a great encouragement and challenge to you as you seek to parent to the glory of God in your homes and in our church. These are instructions for all of us, whether we are biological or lay-parents. I commend them to you for the glory of God.
Resources:
“A Word to Parents” by Arthur W Pink