Everywhere we look, there is an article or book about how to raise children. An author will strongly give one opinion, and another writer will just as strongly give another. Some support old fashioned values, others think we need to loosen up. What are parents supposed to believe? We have the desire to bring our children up well, wanting them to be godly, responsible, productive, and successful adults. We want them to be a joy to us, and not bring us a lifetime of grief. But how do we achieve that? How do we get the wisdom needed for such an awesome responsibility?

Let's look to the Bible as our infallible source of advice. Why not get our guidance from God, who created our children, and knows exactly what they need? Here are a few of the many scriptural guidelines for raising our children.

OUR DUTIES AS PARENTS

1. To love them (Titus 2:4)
2. To bring them to Christ (Matthew 19:13,14)
3. To train them up for God (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4)
4. To instruct them in God's word (Deuteronomy 4:9; 11:19; Isaiah 38:19)
5. To tell them of God's judgments (Joel 1:3)
6. To tell them of the miraculous works of God (Exodus 10:2; Psalms 78:4)
7. To command them to obey God (Deuteronomy 32:46; 1 Chronicles 28:9)
8. To bless them (Genesis 48:15; Hebrews 11:20)
9. To pity them (Psalms 103:13)
10. To provide for them (Job 42:15; 2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Timothy 5:8)
11. To rule them (1 Timothy 3:4,12)
12. To correct them (Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 23:13; 29:17; Hebrews 12:7)
13. Not to provoke them (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21)
14. Pray for them (Lamentations 2:19)

RESULTS OF GODLY PARENTING

Who would not want all these wonderful benefits for their children? Yet, we are only human. How can we accomplish all this? Let's remember these promises.

• If you lack wisdom, ask God and He will give it to you. (James 1:5)
• We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)
• Pray! The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

In conclusion, we don't have to be confused and unstable in our child rearing. By bringing up our children according to the Bible, we will all enjoy the benefits, both now and eternally!

Credits: Torrey's Topical Textbook
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