New Blog Series: Training Up A Child

Beginning July 7, I will begin a new weekly blog series on "Training Up a Child." All parents want the best for their children, but when it comes to spiritual matters, many feel inept or confused. As a result, we parents sometimes defer the teaching of spiritual matters to the experts - the church, Sunday School teachers, or children's pastors. The Bible is very clear that the spiritual training of a child is the parents' responsibility. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Can you think of ways this verse relates to your family? Summer vacations are a great time to plan a little spiritual training. Verse 7 says that we are to talk about God's commands at home AND WHEN WE ARE ON THE ROAD. So turn off that portable DVD player and talk with your kids about God while you are traveling. I guarantee that you'll have a captive audience!

Listen, you don't need a degree in theology or be a Biblical expert to teach your child about God's love. Teach them what you do know. Look for teachable moments, situations that arise that give opportunity to share what you know about God. Take your children to church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Keep seeking God yourself, reading your Bible, praying, worshipping, and going to church. When you do, you are leading and teaching your child by example. YOU are the best teacher your child could ever have. Why? You have their best interests at heart. You love them more than anyone else, next to God.

The church is there to reinforce, support, and help parents in this endeavor. The church only has 1 maybe 2 hours a week with children. That isn't much time for us to have a spiritual impact on the children. Therefore, it is ultimately we parents who must ensure the spiritual upbringing of our children. The consequences are eternal. So, to help parents bring up their children in the Lord, we are going to explore some of the following topics in this series of blogs:

• Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World
• The Importance of Parent Involvement
• Leading Children to Christ
• The Importance of Prayer
• Developing a Daily Walk with God
• Prayer Journals
• Modeling the Christian Walk for Your Child
• Discipline Means Discipleship

I may be a little ambitious, but these are just some of the topics I hope to cover. Please email me with ideas, experiences, or questions you'd like to share. Our goal is to pass along information to help parents grow their children spiritually. We are also available at church to speak with your child one-on-one about becoming a Christian. My heart is with you! I am praying for you and your precious children!

In His Love, Cathy