Teach a Child

The single most important function of the family is the raising of 
children. A healthy family provides the physical as well as the
emotional needs of children and teaches them how to grow into 
well-adjusted, responsible Christian adults.

School can teach the knowledge and skills needed to earn a livelihood, but children learn their values primarily from the example and teaching of their parents. As parents we must both practice and preach our values.

Throughout history, the family has been the foundation of society. 
Within a strong, well-functioning family we can fulfill our physical 
and emotional needs. Children grow into well-adjusted adults through example, instruction and discipline. Chores and responsibilities are shared for the good of all.

From the beginning, God made male and female, for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one Flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. (KJV Mark 10:6-9)

The family in biblical times had the husband as the head of the household and the wife as his helper. The husband worked diligently to provide material needs and protection while the wife worked diligently at domestic chores.

The need for a strong, healthy marriage is expressed in I Peter 3:1-4, 7..Wives in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words, by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gently and quiet spirit,
which is of great worth in God's sight. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Today, regardless of how we divide the roles and responsibilities in our marriages, we must be sure the marriage fulfills it's essential family functions and provides a loving environment for children to grow into responsible adults.

Unselfish love is the 'glue' that holds families together. In marriage
we must subdue our own egos and selfish pride for the sake of the family. The Apostle Paul states it eloquently in this passage from First Corinthians; Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous, love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things; endures all things (NAS, I Corinthians 13: 4-7)
We must make an effort each day to keep our marriages strong. Put aside our anger, forgive our spouse a million times over, always be faithful subdue our own pride and ego, always let love guide our actions.

Parents...practicing and preaching our values: Setting examples and instruction;

Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding, for I give you sound teaching, do not abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, tender and the only son in the sight of my mother. Then he taught me and said unto me, "Let you heart hold fast my words"; Keep my commandments and live; Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; and they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day (NAS, Proverbs 4:1-5, 14-18)

Listen to your father's advice and don't despise on old mother's 
experience. Get the facts at any price, and hold on tightly to all the 
good sense you can get. The father of a godly man has cause for joy, what pleasure a wise son is! So give your parents joy (TLB, Proverbs 23:22-24)

Children...watch the example, hear the teaching. Honor your father and mother. This is one of God's commandments. God says...if you honor your father and mother, yours will be a long life, full of blessings (TLB, Ephesians 6:1-3)

Parents...teach by example, your language, your actions, your activities, what you watch on the television, what music you listen to. Do you read in the Bible with your children? Do you take them to Church? Do you pray with them? (NIV) Psalm 101:3...I will set before my eyes no vile thing. (NIV) Deuteronomy 6:6-8...These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down
and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands, and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on you gates.

Parents. Discipline your children. Through discipline children learn
the consequences of their actions and learn to control their behavior. (KJV) Proverbs 19:17...Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. (KJV) Proverbs 22:6...Train up a child in the way he should go: and when
he is old, he will not depart from it.

When you discipline your children do it in a loving manner, if you put fear into a child they will cease to do what is displeasing to you in your presence, but it doesn't teach them self control.
(NIV) Colossians 3:21...Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

The Lord greatly values children and the innocence of youth.
Psalm 127:3-5...Children are an heritage of the Lord and that they are His reward.

Through God, a strong and supportive family is the instrument for giving children the things they need most; protection, love, training and discipline.


For questions concerning raising your children, speak with your pastor for answers, or advice.

Some Books you might consider:

And Then I Had Teenagers / by: Susan Alexander Yates

Character Matters: Raising Kids with Values / by: John W. Yates

Suddenly They're 13 / by: David and Claudia Arp

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