Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World, Part 1 Sheldon Monson Children are a blessing from God. His people are expected to raise Godly children. Powerful essential instruction on how to do so is found throughout God’s word for those who will seek it.
S ince the Noachian flood the world population has exploded from eight to 8.3 billion inhabitants! We now have large populations inhabiting all areas of the globe. Each year millions of couples make the deci- sion to have a child. Many of these parents would like to raise upstand- ing, moral, kind, good children but simply do not know how to do it, or where to look for advice. The answers regarding how to raise successful, Godly children are found in the Bible. God’s Word is not out of date—contrary to what many psychologists and sociolo- gists say today. It is prophesied that in the last days “children would be disobedient to parents” (II Timothy 3:2), and that children would be “their oppressors” (Isaiah 3:12). These days, it is not easy to point children in the right direction when everything around them pulls them in the wrong direction. Parents are in a constant battle with the nega - tive forces seeking control of their children’s minds. Satan does not leave children alone, he begins ear - ly broadcasting selfish and self-cen - tered attitudes when a child is only a few months old. If parents want the victory of raising Godly children they must make an unrelenting commitment as directed by God in His Word. King Solomon
was inspired to give some sage ad - vice when wrote in Psalm 127: Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. In other words, if God is left out of the process it’s not worth doing. The psalmist continues in verses 3-5: Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them…
There are twelve essential keys to raising godly children in an ungod- ly world. Teach your children about God The word of God is the foundation of all knowledge. By teaching chil- dren about God and His principles of living, children are given the best education possible. It is important for parents to help their children develop a personal relationship with God through prayer. Children should be encouraged to talk to God about their problems, their hopes and dreams. They need to see the relevance of God’s word in all ar - eas of their daily lives. If the Bible says to do something parents need to explain the why and the how of it along with the bless - ings that come from obedience. In addition, explaining the conse- quences that come from disobedi - ence will help them consider more deeply the end results of their own actions. They need to understand what disobedience produces—and how it wrecks lives! Values are taught at home. The fam- ily is the base for caring for and nurturing children and God puts the responsibility of raising children squarely on the shoulders of the parents. Notice God’s instruction in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 it states:
God says children are a heritage— and that a quiver full of them are a mark of His blessing! Yet in the world today many people would rather put more effort into saving a tree than preventing an abortion and the life of an unborn child. What will God’s heritage be in the chil - dren of His people?
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