\u00a0<\/p>\n
Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n
Let us remind ourselves of important matters in our lives\u2014warnings from the Word of God. Today, by the grace of the Lord, we will reflect on a few parental responsibilities toward our children.<\/p>\n
The Bible says:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHonour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.\u201d \u2014 Exodus 20:12<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This Word of God applies to all children who have parents. Even if their biological parents are no longer alive, guardians stand in that rightful place before God. Whether in a family home or an orphanage, guardians carry the authority and position of parents before the Lord.<\/p>\n
There is a great blessing in honoring and obeying parents.<\/p>\n
It does not matter how flawed a parent may be; the command remains to honor and obey. This is the first commandment with promise:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cChildren, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.\u201d \u2014 Ephesians 6:1\u20133<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nNotice two separate blessings:<\/p>\n
\n
- That it may be well with you (a blessed life),<\/li>\n
- And that you may live long on the earth (long life).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One may live long without living well\u2014but God desires both to go together.<\/p>\n
\nThe Parent\u2019s Responsibility<\/h2>\n
A parent greatly influences a child\u2019s destiny\u2014either to build it or to destroy it.<\/p>\n
A parent may provide school fees, quality education, good nutrition, healthcare, and protection. Yet if that parent fails to cultivate obedience and honor in the child, that child will not prosper in the long run, nor live a blessed life\u2014regardless of education, health, or popularity.<\/p>\n
Life may be cut short or filled with hardship.<\/p>\n
Therefore, before celebrating academic success, first examine obedience and respect. Rejoice more when your child grows in humility and submission than when they excel academically.<\/p>\n
Teach them to listen willingly\u2014not merely by force. Train them in good character, modesty, and respect toward you and toward others.<\/p>\n
\nTest Your Child\u2019s Obedience<\/h2>\n
Observe how your child behaves among visitors. Praise what is good. Correct what is wrong.<\/p>\n
The Bible teaches that loving correction does not destroy a child:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cTrain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.\u201d \u2014 Proverbs 22:6<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Proper discipline builds character. Children are created without deep resentment, making it easier to shape them when young. Correct them today, and shortly afterward they return in love and joy.<\/p>\n
But if you neglect correction, later in life pride, resentment, and rebellion may make it difficult to guide them.<\/p>\n
\nTeach Them the Word of God<\/h2>\n
While they are young, teach them Scripture. Give them verses to memorize\u2014even if they do not yet fully understand. The Word stored in childhood will guide them in adulthood.<\/p>\n
Teach them hymns, worship songs, prayer, and the stories of Jesus. These are more valuable than worldly songs or empty entertainment.<\/p>\n
Examine whether they are applying what they are taught.<\/p>\n
When others testify that your child is respectful and well-mannered, unseen blessings are being released. That is where a child\u2019s true star begins to shine.<\/p>\n
\nThe Crown of Grace<\/h2>\n
One of the greatest blessings a parent can give is placing the Crown of Grace upon a child\u2019s head.<\/p>\n
The Bible says:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMy son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.\u201d \u2014 Proverbs 1:8\u20139<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThis \u201cornament of grace\u201d \u2014 this crown \u2014 is a powerful spiritual blessing.<\/p>\n
We live by grace. When grace abounds upon a person, they draw nearer to God and become useful in His service. Service to God is not limited to preaching; it includes any position where God uses someone to influence and bless others.<\/p>\n
Jesus said:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf any man serve me, him will my Father honour.\u201d \u2014 John 12:26<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Who does not desire to be honored by God?<\/p>\n
If you desire that for your child, teach them to honor and obey you\u2014while you model a life that fears God.<\/p>\n
\nA Warning to Parents<\/h2>\n
If you are not saved, you cannot place this Crown of Grace upon your child. Your life influences theirs.<\/p>\n
Turn to Christ today. Repent sincerely of your sins\u2014immorality, neglect, dishonesty, and any wrongdoing. Ask the Lord to cleanse you by His blood and make you a godly parent.<\/p>\n
The Scripture declares:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cRepent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.\u201d \u2014 Acts 2:38<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Through repentance and true surrender, the Holy Spirit will guide you, give you understanding of Scripture, and strengthen you to overcome sin.<\/p>\n
Remember also that Jesus Christ is coming again.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFor what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?\u201d \u2014 Mark 8:36<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Meditate on this daily.<\/p>\n
\nFinal Encouragement<\/h2>\n
Having a child is a blessing\u2014especially when you have placed upon them the Crown of Grace.<\/p>\n
As you pour grace into their lives, God will cause that same grace to overflow back to you in the future.<\/p>\n
May you and your household walk in obedience and blessing.<\/p>\n
Maranatha.
Shalom.<\/p>\n