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Intentional parenting begins with the future pay off in mind
Have you ever stopped to imagine who your children will be when they are 20 years old? What character traits will they have? How will they see the world? What will they believe? Will they know and love God? Rob and Amy Rienow, authors of Visionary Parenting.
New parents are easily caught up in the daily diaper routine, interruptions to sleep and waking schedules, and the adorable cuteness of their little ones. It’s easy to overlook creating an intentional plan for “how” to successfully raise a child. We often believe if we are capable of having a baby then the life lessons will just naturally happen. But is that really true—or is it what’s best for our child?
Smart parenting is God’s idea
To remain ignorant about what God has to say concerning effective parenting is to cheat our boys and girls of valuable life lessons. This sets them up to be ill prepared for adult life. God wants us to consult Him when it comes to parenting. I believe this because Joseph was His choice to be the earthly father to Jesus. Joseph and God had many discussions. Mary, too, was deliberately selected to carry Jesus in her womb. Both had strong faith, heard the voice of God, and acted upon it.
Parenting tips from Biblical truths include:
- Tell the children God formed them on purpose: Psalm 139:15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Psalm 127:3 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.
- Teach obedience: Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Obedience isn’t to be harsh but consistent and just; the goal is to nurture good behaviors.
- Teach respect and honor: Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Grandparents, uncles and aunts, teachers, clergy, parents are to be given respect. How? A million ways exist: Say “please” and “thank you”, hold a door open, carry a grocery bag, follow through when asked to do something, listen to their stories and life’s wisdom, . . .
- Teach by example: Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends [family]. Isaiah 38:19 The living, the living they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about Your faithfulness.
- Instill the importance of disciplining the tongue: James 3:9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Words will bless or cause harm. Use them wisely. Don’t engage in name calling, put downs or cursing.
- Teach good work ethic: Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. This is a vital lesson to learn. Work is to be done with excellence and a good attitude. Train by example.
Intentional parenting takes time
I’ve only scratched the surface of wisdom God wants us to discover about raising children. I challenge you to dig deep into His word. Apply the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) daily. There’s no shortcut for parenting well. This is the hardest job you’ll ever do but also the most rewarding. When God is part of the family tapestry, generational blessings are poised to endure.
Note: Scripture verses are from the New International Version
