Your
children are most likely many years from being “adults”—age 18 (even though they think they are adults by the time
they are teenagers.) But I’d like
to challenge you to make it your goal to help your child become as mature as
possible by that time in their life.
Why? Because anything they
do not learn while growing up, will become lessons to learn as an adult. Discipline does not end when they
become an adult and independent from you.
As they are growing up, you and God are working together to train and
discipline your child in the most loving and effective way possible. When they become adults, you are no
longer the “disciplinarian”. Yet, God continues working, teaching,
and disciplining them... because they are a work in progress their entire life,
until they see Jesus face to face.
All of us are a work in progress!
But wouldn’t it be so helpful for our children if they can learn lessons
as they are growing up, rather than having to learn them as an adult, when it
could be much more difficult?
Think of
a child who wants what they want, when they want it, how they want it. If
they don’t learn as a child to take control of their desires and be content
with what they have, they will most likely struggle with overspending and debt
as an adult...when the stakes are much higher. Any sin that a child deals with becomes a much bigger issue as an adult (lying can ruin a relationship, dishonesty can cost a job, etc.) Give them a picture of God's desire for them. Utilize others' stories as examples of what to do/not to do.
“Discipline your child while there is still
hope...” Proverbs 19:18
If your
children learn to manage their emotions and desires, keeping their heart in
check with their Father God, they will be steps ahead as they enter
adulthood.
No comments:
Post a Comment