As a pastor I see some pretty awful things being done to some of the little ones that I come to know. When I say "awful" I mean just that. These are the jaw dropping, head scratching things that parents do to the most innocent creatures on earth.
These are the things that I call the "withholding statements" that are a part of the child's training. Let me explain.
Almost every parent I know loves and cherishes his or her child(ren). This is the way it should be because parents have been given the privileged opportunity to have and to raise children and to guide them the way that they should go. Without training the most innocent child will follow the examples of those around him who are less interested in their physical and spiritual well being than their parents.
Even though most parents understand the importance of early childhood development and training, there are so many who neglect the most important part of their child's education. They withhold from them the truth about God, Jesus and the forgiveness of sins!
In the Bible book of Proverbs there is a very short but powerful guideline expressed: Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Prov. 22:6)
Knowing and understanding this passage helps when it comes to young parents asking how to go about the business of raising their children. You see after birthing classes there are very few young parents who take advantage of attending courses on how to raise children. This passage clearly states that there is a relationship between the different stages of one's life and how one lives and the way we were trained or started out.
For example there are some parents who know in their heart of hearts that their little ones are truly spiritual beings, but they refuse to teach them about the Savior Jesus. This in the face of knowing and having had heard that this is one of the things that the Almighty wants to be done: Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Even if they teach them to pray, they undo everything that is implied by that activity when they refuse to take them to church, do not have them baptised and/or continue to set an example of unChristian activities in their lives and homes.
The bible is filled with guidelines for systematic training and effective parenting. That's why we maintain a Christian preschool at Emmanuel in Hudson Wisconsin. It's a lot more than a social adjustment phase for 3's, 4's and 5's... and it is certainly not to be considered a baby sitting business offering a structured time in the care of specially trained educators and teachers. Our school is here to assist parents as they begin to carry out the will of God as His representatives in the lives of their children.
If you want help in this regard give us a call (651-283-9876) or stop by for a visit.
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