By Wendell Winkler (submitted by Jerry Sturgill)
Will priorities be established in your children when…
- You are early for their ballgame, but late for worship?
- You check on their homework regularly, but never check on their Bible class lessons?
- You won’t let them miss school even though they don’t want to go, but let them miss church worship services?
- You won’t let them stay up late on school nights, but let them stay up late on Saturday night?
- You will serve as a room mother at their school or volunteer at school, but will not help with classes, activities, programs which involve spiritual matters?
- You attend open house at their school, but do not visit their classroom of Bible school, or even know where their class meets?
- You support, attend, or even participate in their sports activities (baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, etc.) but regularly miss activities involving the church?
- You never (almost never) miss meeting with the civic or social club of which you are a member, but frequently miss worship services?
- You go to work even though you do not feel like it, but stay home on Sunday in the same condition?
HOME…
Home is a beautiful word. Every time we hear the word, many thoughts go racing through our minds. Many of us think back to an earlier time in life when as children home was a most cherished place. It was a place of comfort and security. The home is a place where valuable principles are taught. The Christian home should be an inviting place, a place we enjoy coming to each day.
Consider a few of the things to be taught and blessings to enjoy in the Christian home.
H – Hope of Heaven.
The Christian home makes heaven the most important priority a person can have. The home will be the training grounds for learning and living so that heaven is the goal for every family member. Parents are to bring the children up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The word admonition means “calling attention to, that is, (by implication) mild rebuke or warning” (Strong’s). This process requires giving instructions and demonstrating what is being taught. The hope of heaven is instilled through regular Bible study, example and faithful worship attendance (Hebrews 10:25).
O – Obedience to authority.
Learning and understanding respect for authority begins in the home. The leadership in the home must demonstrate respect for proper authority. Many children do not respect those who have authority over them whether it be in the home, schools or concerning civil authorities. The Christian home recognizes the authority of an eldership (Hebrews 13:17), the authority given to parents (Ephesians 6:1-4), and civil authority (Romans 13:1-6).
M – Morality.
The Christian home is the best place for morals to be taught. Far too many are relying upon the school system or other avenues to teach morals to the children. Very often those venues are not teaching morals found in the Bible. Home Bible studies afford an excellent time to teach godliness to our children (Titus 2:11-12).
E – Encouragement.
In Christian homes, each member is important and should find an encouraging atmosphere. Someone said, “The home should provide the framework for self-esteem and confidence.” Each member of the family should be encouraged and never made to feel unimportant. Fathers are to bring their children up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The word nurture means, “the whole training and education of children” (Thayer’s). Proper instruction and tender guidance will build confidence and self-esteem.
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