DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY

DON’T GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERYTHING RIGHT AWAY
(A Biblical Guide for Raising Godly Children)

As a parent, the best way to raise your child is not by indulging every desire immediately. Even if they deserve it, resist giving them everything just because you can. Godly parenting requires foresight: investing in your child’s character, discipline, and spiritual foundation now so they can stand firm tomorrow. Overindulgence can ruin not only their character but also their spiritual destiny.

Many parents fail to recognize a key biblical principle: even though a child is an heir, they must first live under guidance and discipline.

📖 Galatians 4:1–2 (NKJV)
“Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.”

God’s design is that children learn to obey and grow in wisdom before inheriting wealth or authority. A child who receives everything too soon may grow proud, irresponsible, or spiritually weak.

A wise parent does not measure love by how much wealth they spend on their child today. True love seeks to build a life rooted in God’s wisdom.

Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–31, NIV). The younger son demanded his inheritance early, left home, and squandered it in reckless living. Only when he reached rock bottom did he repent and return home. The father welcomed him with open arms, showing God’s heart of forgiveness and mercy.

Meanwhile, the older son, who had faithfully served, became resentful. Even though he had been obedient, he felt unappreciated. This illustrates that obedience and faithfulness are often tested before blessing, a principle God uses to shape character and faith.

📖 Romans 8:17 (NIV) — “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

• Just as God’s children must endure discipline and trials, so too must human children learn responsibility before fully inheriting privileges.

Sadly, many modern parents do the opposite. They spoil their children with wealth and convenience — hiring staff to cook, clean, and serve, while the children spend hours on entertainment. This may seem loving, but it can produce modern prodigals: children who are entitled, spiritually weak, and unprepared for life.

When children misbehave, some parents hesitate to discipline them, fearing they might “suffer.” But the Bible teaches:

📖 Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) — “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

📖 Hebrews 12:7–11 (NIV) — “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. … No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Discipline is an act of love that prepares children for spiritual and moral strength. Without it, children remain vulnerable to sin and poor choices.

It is not necessary to give your child gourmet meals or satisfy every whim. Sometimes they should eat simple food — plain ugali and beans — to develop patience, gratitude, and humility. Let them experience small hardships; these are the building blocks of strength and resilience.

During school holidays, instead of beaches or parties, take your child to the village. Let them experience simple living: eat local food, fetch water, help with farming, or tend animals. Let them observe God’s creation, understand responsibility, and learn the dignity of work.

Meanwhile, a wise parent quietly prepares for the child’s future — saving, providing education, and building spiritual foundations. When the child matures, they will be capable, disciplined, and compassionate leaders, able to serve God and humanity faithfully.

True parenting is about making your child a servant today so they can become a king tomorrow. If you make them a king today, you may end up serving them tomorrow — like the elder son in the parable.

📖 Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) — “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

📖 Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) — “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

May the Lord bless you as you raise your children in wisdom, discipline, and godly love. Share this teaching to inspire other parents to build strong, Christ-centered families.

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