The biggest blessing parents can give their children is to live a righteous life of integrity before God. While Proverbs tells parents that they are to direct their children on the right path so that when they are older, they will not leave it, all adults have a role to play in this. You can’t pass on what you don’t possess, and you can’t cultivate in them what hasn’t yet captivated you. Children are blessed when adults show them what authentic faith in Jesus actually looks like in daily life. Parents have the primary role of teaching or disciplining their children in godliness. This is done in the context of a loving relationship where they support, encourage, and play with their kids, and when needed, they lovingly correct them. As with God, correcting and disciplining children is a mark of love.  

 

Day 1       Proverbs 20:7; 14:26-27; Deuteronomy 5:29

Reflect: Why and how does the spiritual life of parents impact their children? In what ways could a parent’s “fear of the Lord” protect a child from harm? 

Apply:   What day-to-day choices might be involved with living this way? How often do you talk to your children about your walk with the Lord? Is your faith in God evident to them? 

Pray:     Father, teach me to live my life in worshipful joy and reverent obedience. Allow my love for You to become a refuge for my children. Show me how to fear You alone and to lead my children in the path of life.

 

Day 2      Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Proverbs 1:8-9; 22:6; Ephesians 6:4 

Reflect: In what ways are parents called to instruct their children? What all does this entail and what is the end result? What is implied by Deuteronomy 6:8?    

Apply:   How familiar are your children with God’s commandments? Why? How often do you refer to them when disciplining your kids? Do you talk more about God’s love or His rules?

Pray:     Abba Father, thank You for the family which was ordained by You from the beginning. Help me to be a good parent—to honor Your name and to instruct those in my care wisely. May my children see You in me.

 

Day 3       Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 20:11; 29:17; Hebrews 12:9-11

Reflect: Why does discipline show that parents love their kids? Why is it important? Since discipline is not the same as punishment, what do you think using the word rod implies?      

Apply:   What results from an undisciplined life? How has the Lord disciplined you? What new insights do you have about the importance of teaching and guiding your kids God’s way?

Pray:     Father, thank You that godly discipline is a tool You use in the lives of Your children for Your glory and our eternal benefit. Please give me wisdom to teach and discipline my children to be godly people who love and honor You and are a blessing to others.

 

Day 4     1 Peter 5:2-3; Psalm 82:3-4; Matthew 18:6-7; Psalm 78:1-4

Reflect: What are the important teachings and warnings in these verses? What are examples of what the Lord means when He says to shepherd, watch, defend, uphold, rescue, and tell? 

Apply:   To whom and what have you passed on to help a child in their walk with God? Who has made an impact on your child(ren)? How? Has anyone steered them in a wrong way? How?

Pray:     Father, help me to be careful about my influence. I don’t want to lead others astray by my actions or by my words. Give me an undivided heart, a clear witness reflecting Your character, and a deeper concern for those my actions may impact.

 

Day 5      Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 49:15-16; Psalm 103:13-18

Reflect: In these texts, what are God’s truths and promises that would impact a child as well as an adult? How often do you think of God as a compassionate Father? 

Apply:   What emotions do these verses evoke? Which did you really need to hear today? Why? How can you best share these verses with a child in your life who needs to hear them? 

Pray:     Father, open (child’s name) heart and mind to the depths of Your love. Give him/her security and identity rooted in Your unquestionable love. Help me love him/her like You do.

 

Put It Into Practice!

Week 3: Right Parenting

Parents ultimately need to see their relationship with the Lord as an investment in their children. How can you be more intentional in your daily routine about incorporating your love of, trust in, and obedience to God so that your children see the value and necessity of it? How can you instill more of a Biblical worldview in their lives? Does your style of discipline reflect God’s?