Proverbs 22:6 Godly Parenting
Proverbs 22:6 (New International Version)
6 Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
One of the most famous verses in the Bible, but also one of the least followed.
FAILURE OF PARENTS
Dr. James Dobson said in his book Parenting lsn’t for Cowards, `Attach a boy to a good man, and he seldom goes wrong." Dr. Terry Wise defines mentoring as: "A relational experience in which one person empowers another by sharing God given resources."
“Training” requires effort on parents part-requires time most importantly.
Peer pressure and influence can be stronger that parents guidance.
You have to be your child’s moral and spiritual “compass”
Proverbs 22:6 (The Message)
6 Point your kids in the right direction—
when they’re old they won’t be lost.
Proverbs 22:6 (Amplified Bible)
6Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Children have individual talents and skills-Encourage it, don’t try to make them exactly like you
A child may not always stay on the path, but it is the parent’s responsibility to start them on the path.
Parents need to teach kids about faith, education, respect, finances, etc. Problem may be that they were never taught themselves.
There are many “experts” in the field of raising children and thousands of books on the subject. Nobody has got it right or else their wouldn’t be new books every year.
To be effective parents we should model our parenting style after God’s parenting style.
How does God “parent”?
1 He loves us unconditionally
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
2 He demands our respect and wants our obedience
Exodus 20:3
"You shall have no other gods before me.
Exodus 23:13
"Be careful to do everything I have said to you.
3 He does not give us everything we want but only what is right for us
New International Version (NIV) Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
4 He sacrifices of himself for the benefit of his children
New Living Translation (NLT) John 3:16
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
5 He disciplines those he loves
Proverbs 13:23-25 (New Living Translation)
24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
6 He protects his children
Psalm 18:2 NLT
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
7 He is always there for us-no matter what
Psalm 34:6 The Message
6 When I was desperate, I called out,
and GOD got me out of a tight spot.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
God stands by even now, to help those who need him.
