“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15
My husband and I have had issues in the past about raising our children. The two of us have always agreed on how they should be raised, by godly standards, but we could never figure out how to do that.
There are two things we want our kids to understand: to love God with all their heart, strength, mind and soul and to love others as you as God would love them.
One of the best ways to teach these things to our kids is through obedience. By showing obedience towards your parents you are showing obedience towards God and ultimately showing your love for Him.
Obedience should be made up of four things:
Instant: Whatever is requested of the child should be done immediately, even if it is something you don’t want to do.
Cheerful: God wants you to be joyful in doing what you are told. Children should respond with “yes Ma’am, no Ma’am, yes Sir or no Sir.”
Thorough: Kids need to look at adults, when given instructions, so there will not be a statement later like, “I did not hear you or I didn’t understand.”
Unconditional: Tasks should be done without hearing “But I… It’s not my job! Why? I will later.” or anything similar.
Years ago, in a family meeting, we explained to the kids what is expected of them, their rewards and the consequences. Currently, they do not need much reminders so I am quite pleased with the progress of obedience. We try our best to lead by example.
You cannot expect anyone to do as you say, if you are not.
Hope for success. There will be a day when your kids will not like their bosses, co-workers or peers. Through their training, as children, they will respond respectfully, in obedience to the Lord.
God honors obedience.
Train them up in the way they should go. You will not be disappointed.