BLESSING AND RESPONSIBILITY

Read: Proverbs 22:6 NIV (Also read Deuteronomy 4:9, 11:18-19, Proverbs 29:17, Psalm 127:3, Ephesians 6:4, Timothy 3:4)

"Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do." Ephesians 6:1 NLT (Also read Ephesians 6:2-3, Colossians 3:20, Proverbs 4:1-4) "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." ( Proverbs 22:6 NIV (Also read Deuteronomy 4:9, 11:18-19, Proverbs 29:17, Psalm 127:3, Ephesians 6:4, Timothy 3:4) )

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Bible in a year: Luke 10

Thoughts for Today

God not only has a plan for the husband and wife, but also for children. Today's scriptures deal with children still living at home. God's plan includes instruction to the children—and to their parents.

It is important to remember that God's plan is for the ideal Christian family. Although most of us fall short of this ideal, we must never lose sight of our goal or give up moving toward it. We should always reach toward God's best for the home.

Consider this …

God's plan moves from two directions. He instructs children to obey their parents and honor them. In so doing, they will please the Lord.

On the other hand, he gives parents the awesome responsibility of teaching their children what they are supposed to do—and how. Parents are to encourage—not frustrate. Parents are to correct their children when they do wrong. Teach them God's Word—by reading it, explaining it and living it. Pray for them. Love them.

What a challenge! Parents cannot do this alone. They must rely on God's help and strength. Sometimes it's easier to just give in than to stand firm. Sometimes it might be easier to look the other way than to correct. Sometimes it seems there just isn't enough time to have family devotions. But this is God's perfect plan.

All of us parents will make mistakes along the way, but it is vital that we don't give up. God has placed our children in our care. If we are to enjoy the blessing of parenthood, we must embrace the responsibility of parenthood.

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Living Free Every Day® is a ministry of livingfree.org

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