SIX THINGS WE OWE OUR CHILDREN IN STEWARDSHIP
Unconditional Love
This love is not based on performance, and provides security between the parent and child.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Constructive Discipline
Discipline is done for the child, not to him.
The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly (Proverbs 14:24).
Time Together
Playing, conversing, working together, and teaching is all quality time.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).
Christian Model
Parents all called to study God’s Word, live it, and teach it.
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10).
Respect
Parents are not to disesteem children, but respect that they are different in personality.
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Foundation of Faith in Christ Jesus
You’ll only take your family out of this world.
…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness… (2 Timothy 3:15, 16)
(Points compiled by Pastor James Loper, Amarillo, Texas)
Christa Madrid 