The Lord designed families to be unique places of development for the disciples. In Deuteronomy 6. 7, parents have an order regarding the Word of God: “Will you instill them in your children and talk about them by sitting in your house, In the New Testament, when a head of family was a disciple, this had implications for the family (Lk 19. 9; 1Co 7. 14; 2 Tim 1. 5). In Ephesians 6. 4, there is a commandment direct to the disciples: “And ye, the fathers, do not provoke the wrath of your children, but raise them in the discipline and warnings of the Lord. ” The Lord certainly calls his disciples to make disciples of his children.
It is never too early to begin disciplinary routines, sing psalms and hymns with the little ones, and set aside time each day for Bible reading and family prayer. Over time, introduce the memorization of writings and catechisms (Sal 119,9?11). Make Sabbath worship a gift and priority. Talk constantly about the Word of God, his works in creation, his providence, and the prayers he answered. These habits will set the stage for the rest of your life.
- As children grow up.
- Discipleship will have to be even more intimately linked to daily life.
- Discipline? In Ephesians 6.
- 4.
- Include reduced options and limits.
- Children will need rules based on the Word of God to learn obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
- This process should not lead to a relationship of constant interruptions.
- But to a growing understanding that Discipline is loving (He.
- 12: 3-11).
- Try to show them how each situation can lead to the alienation or cross of Christ and reconciliation.
As children get older, conversations become the most important aspect of discipleship. The Savior has answered many of his disciples’ questions, and parents must also become the main source of answers. This can be difficult, so don’t be afraid to answer: Look for or ask for advice, but be consistent in your answers. Make your home a place for religious discussions and even healthy debates. Especially in the information age, show them where to find the right answers for themselves, including helping them cultivate relationships with When Questions Become Difficult, pray with your children for wisdom and the Holy Ghost (Luke 11:13; James 1. 5).
Christian houses can be considered greenhouses, where children grow up as little plants for a while; they receive water and are fed by the Word, cultivated and pruned, and to some extent protected. It is your call as a father to be diligent in discipleship and refuge, but also to be encouraged by the fact that the Holy Ghost often uses holy families to nurture faith, despite our inevitable failures. Above all, depend on God’s work and be faithful in praying that the Lord may grow.