Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World - Part 2 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 His word for those who will seek it.
I n the previous edition, PART I of this article began with God’s in- struction 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.” Children are a very important heri- tage to God and He wants His people to raise them in a godly manner. It’s an essential part of a Christian’s duty. In the last edition we covered five key points for raising godly children. We will now examine the remaining seven points. Teach them how to work The Scriptures instruct everyone to avoid laziness. Proverbs 6:6-11 states: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having to captain, over - seer or ruler, provides her sup - plies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O slug - gard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a lit - tle slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep – So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and you need like an armed man.” The Apostle Paul instructs Christians in Colossians 3:23-24:
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” God rewards hard work. And God commands His people to work.
should teach their children how to work so that they will provide well for their children. In I Timothy 5:8 it states: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has de - nied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” What God inspired Paul to write here is that—if a Christian cannot even care for his or her own family, how can that person sincerely love and care for others? Even the unbeliev- er knows that it is his responsibility to provide for his family. Christians should require their children to do their share of the household chores. They should teach their sons and daughters how to cook, do the laun- dry, and clean up around the house. God’s people should also teach their children how to change a tire, jump start a battery, mow the grass, etc. Teach them that work can be fun! Children should be taught how to do things excellently. They need to learn how to work hard, but also how to do a job well. God commands His peo- ple to do things with all their might. In Ecclesiastes 9:10 it states: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Christians can’t expect their children
Notice what it says in II Thessalo- nians 3:10-11: “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” This applies to those unwilling to work, not to those un- able to work. He goes on to say, “For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.” Paul addressed a problem that ex- isted in the Church during his day. He points out that idleness breeds sin. Those who are disorderly, not working at all, become busybodies, causing trouble and division in the church. The same is true today. Christians are to be providing for their families now. And everyone
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A Good Report, Vol. 2 No. 3
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