We all like the feeling of being in control.
Whether it be how we choose to spend our time, our money, or our words, we want to decide what we will do. Even toddlers want to be autonomous.
As a Christ follower, it is important to remember that we should be choosing to obey God. God’s ways will affect every aspect of our attitude, actions, and words. As our children are learning about God, we want them to choose to submit their desires to God.
There are many blessings that come with the spiritual training of children.
One blessing for parents often comes in an unpleasant disguise: the refining of our character. We often have to swallow our pride as we learn some character lessons alongside our children. As I was teaching our children how to honor Jesus in daily living, my own sins were exposed, and my sometimes-shallow understanding was deepened. I can look back and see how God was working in me, and I am grateful for his love and patience . A statement I like to make about raising our children is ‘God worked in spite of me.’
Another blessing is the gift of preparing children to obey God when they are out on their own. When our children lived under our roof, they had to obey the house rules. My husband and I, the rule setters, were visible. One day, however, our children would not have us as mom and dad visibly telling them what to do, but would need to be guided by God and the Holy Spirit. So, we set rules, and reasons were given based on God’s intent, to be clear that we were obeying him. I believe this makes it easier to help children obey, as the family is united in loving Jesus and working toward godliness.
Along those lines, it is helpful to refer to scriptures that are guiding daily behavior. To be able to refer to what God says specifically gives more motivation for doing what is right. Ideally, this can help with shaping behavior using grace and truth, rather than having a mindset of punishment.
God’s knows what is best, and what a blessing as a family to let God be in control.