“Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Prov. 22:6.
I know many of you reading this are mothers, grandmothers, aunts or someone with influence in one or more children’s lives. The importance of a mother’s role and influence in her childrens’ lives in eternally invaluable – the constant daily care, nurturing, teaching and praying slowly molds their little lives and souls for Jesus’ Kingdom.
Many circumstances throughout each day provide opportunities to teach godly principles, obedience, the effects of sin, modesty etc.
“And thou shalt teach them (God’s Word) diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:7.
Here are just a couple examples of teaching we experienced in our home. I’ve always had a burning desire to teach our children godly principles whenever the opportunity presented itself. I wanted them above all else to know God’s Word, and live it. I remember we purchased our first set of “10 Bible Story Books” by Arthur Maxwell, about the time our first child, Marc, was born. When he was just a toddler, I was so excited I could hardly wait to start reading them to him. They’re not actually written in little preschoolers’ language, but I would read a page, and then explain it to him. He loved it. I soon made it a habit of reading from the Bible Stories every day after lunch before naps. It was valuable in several ways: the children looked forward to the stories, it gave me a break and time to relax, they were learning God’s Word, it made me take time with them, and helped to calm and relax them before naps. Over the years, they’ve all learned a lot from these books. Since then, we’ve bought a set for each of our 5 children’s homes, and one for a grandchild’s home.
I also recall a time, specifically; we were carpooling and heading home from school. I was driving our old 12-passenger van, hauling our 5 children, and a family of 4-5 more children. We were passing through a small town, when we came upon a drunken man out in front of a tavern. He was staggering around, lost his balance and fell on the sidewalk. So I purposely drove around the block and puttered slowly past the tavern again so the children could get a good glimpse of the effects of the sin of alcohol.
I’m sure many of you can add to this list of opportunities to teach a lesson. It doesn’t take much to make a point sometimes. We just have to be watching for the opportunities, and let the Lord lead. We need to take time with our children. Parents should have a regular play time, story time and family evening together. I know it’s just so easy to get caught up in the cares of life, and be too busy.
Lying
“A false witness shall not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will not escape.”
Prov. 19:5
What causes a child to lie? Perhaps some of the same reasons adults do sometimes: To cover up a wrong deed, attract attention to themselves with the biggest or most outlandish story, cover up who they really are, to be able to get by with something they shouldn’t, or to make themselves look better than another—etc.
I can recall as a young girl, one of our church friends had an especially bad habit of telling the untruth. Many times, it would put a damper on our fun, for we never knew if she was telling the truth or a lie. At times we wanted to shy away from her. If the habit is allowed to continue, and not “nipped in the bud”, the child can grow up with a problem. As they get older they can live with the nagging fear they’ll be found out, have feelings of guilt and unhappiness. Others will not be able to depend upon their word, and it can grow into sin. Exaggeration is a form of lying, also, and children should be taught the difference.
I’ve always felt strongly to teach our children to speak the truth, “even if it hurts”—even when it meant admitting their wrong doing. They usually received an extra measure of discipline if they misbehaved, and then lied about it on top of it. It served as a teaching tool of how crucial it is to always tell the truth.
True love does not gloss over the truth. It NEVER pays to lie.
Until next time—
Submitted with love and prayer.
- Teaching Children To Obey On First Call - April 30, 2015
- Teaching Modesty To Our Children{Grandma’s Column} - March 31, 2015
- Train Up A Child{Grandma’s Column} - January 27, 2015
Kendra says
As the daughter here 🙂 I just wanted to add my two cents! I distinctly remember those Bible storybooks and being snuggled up against Mom on the couch. One of the most precious memories of my childhood! And for a confession, I haven’t done it nearly as faithfully with my own children as what my mother did. Might need to work on there . . .
I will also add a resounding amen to the lying! We recently caught one of our kids cheating in school for the first time. And since cheating is another form of lying – we decided to nip it in the bud and come down really hard on that first time. Much prayers, tears, and forgiveness later, and we were all feeling better.
Thanks so much, Mom, for the training you brought me up with!! Luv you.
Angela Miller says
Thanks Donna!!! great read, hope & pray I can be a mother like you are
Mom G says
Thanks, Donna, well said…..
from the other Grandma