In Touch - May 29, 2006

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Monday May 29, 2006

A Key to Successful Parenting

Ephesians 6:1-4

Parenting can feel like a trek through unfamiliar territory. Just when we think we

know what we are doing, the terrain changes. God’s Word is both an instruction book and a road map to guide us through the ups and downs of raising children.

A key parenting principle is that mothers and fathers have the responsibility of instilling biblical truth into their children’s belief system. The parents’ hope is that their daughters and sons will use what they’ve received to discover God’s plan for them and to follow Jesus all their lives (Ephesians 2:10). Whether still in elementary school or already grown, a child needs to know several essential doctrines, including: who Jesus is and how to receive Him as Savior; what God’s plan is for the forgiveness of sin; and why it is vital to attain Christian maturity under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

We equip ourselves through a steady diet of Bible study and application. Then, as we learn, we can teach our children in age-appropriate ways: reading Bible stories and explaining what they mean; pointing out examples to follow or avoid; engaging in discussions about various situations the family encounters; asking questions and seeking biblical answers together. Their spiritual training also involves our being transparent about our own journey with the Lord — acknowledging mistakes and revealing changes God has helped us to make.

Happily, we are not expected to parent alone. The Holy Spirit will assist us in faithfully shepherding our children according to scriptural principles. All we need

to do is ask and be willing to follow His lead.

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