The foundation of successful parenting is to put God first in your life and in your family’s life. This simple principle is the key to unlocking a happy and harmonious home.
The command to obey applies to everyone, parents and kids alike. Parents must obey God and set a good example for their children to follow. Children must learn to obey their parents, as this is a sign of respect and a reflection of their obedience to God. This is highlighted in the fifth commandment, which serves as a bridge between the “love God” and “love people” commandments of the Ten Commandments.
To truly embrace wholehearted obedience, it’s essential to incorporate spiritual disciplines into your daily routine. These include things like prayer and Bible reading. By making these practices a priority, you are showing your children the importance of having a relationship with God and instilling in them the value of spiritual growth.
Practicing spiritual disciplines as a family unit is a great way to bond and create a positive atmosphere in your home. Regular family devotionals, where you read and discuss Bible passages together, can be a fun and meaningful way to connect with each other and with God.
In addition to incorporating spiritual disciplines, it’s also important to model good behavior for your children. As parents, we are our children’s first and most influential teachers. Our words and actions have a powerful impact on our children’s development and worldview.
One way to model good behavior is by showing respect for others. This includes our spouses, our children, and those outside of our family unit. By treating others with kindness and consideration, we demonstrate to our children the importance of empathy and compassion.
Another way to model good behavior is by being honest and transparent. When we make mistakes, it’s important to admit them and apologize. This teaches our children the value of accountability and shows them that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we take responsibility for them.
And, when we live God-centered lives, it will change our whole perspective on life and our priorities. How we spend our money and where we spend our time will be influenced by God’s plan, not our own.
