Mr. Everard was passionate about families and wrote many
books, religious tracts and papers on family life and worship over his lifetime.
Every godly parent desires to raise godly children for the Kingdom
of God and this short parenting lesson should encourage and inspire their efforts.
(Scripture references in block letters were added.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amaziah
did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not like his ancestor
David. Instead, he followed the example of his father, Joash. 2 Kings 14:3
The life of a godly
parent is a daily sermon.
It has been said,
"The children of godly parents go to church every day!"
Never doubt for a moment,
that genuine piety and eminent holiness are the first requisites for all
parents. No parent can expect to influence their children for good, without
themselves walking wisely and worthily in the narrow path of holiness.
Here may be seen the reason that sound faithful teaching in Sunday schools, has comparatively effected so little good. It is not the fault of the church — but in the home's pernicious influence! The evil that is witnessed at home, more than counteracts the lessons learned at church!
It is the will of God that parents should exercise control over their children. They must command that which is right — and they must forbid that which is wrong. It was spoken to the praise of Abraham, that God knew that he would command his children after him to keep the way of the Lord. (GENESIS 18:19) It was the overthrow of the house of Eli that his sons made themselves vile — and he did not restrain them. (1 SAMUEL 3:1-4:22)
In Scripture children are compared to arrows — but all depends upon the direction given to the arrow by the hand that guides it.
They are compared to vine branches — but an unpruned vine will bear no fruit worth gathering. So it is written, "A child left to himself brings his mother to shame!" (PROVERBS 29:15)
In training their children, let parents begin early. Long before a child is two years old, it will know the meaning of an emphatic "No." Even at that tender age, some measure of discipline may begin.
Yield not to the self-will or pettishness of a child. What you once say — let it be law. Without some special cause, do not turn from it. Especially punish lying and disobedience — they are the root of all that is evil.
Yet with firmness, be very gentle. Harshness is a cold wind that nips in the bud the beginnings of better things in the heart. Byron's character was ruined by the cruelty of a harsh and unfeeling mother.
Win your children by love. Draw, rather than drive.
Make home the happiest place in the world to them.
Here may be seen the reason that sound faithful teaching in Sunday schools, has comparatively effected so little good. It is not the fault of the church — but in the home's pernicious influence! The evil that is witnessed at home, more than counteracts the lessons learned at church!
It is the will of God that parents should exercise control over their children. They must command that which is right — and they must forbid that which is wrong. It was spoken to the praise of Abraham, that God knew that he would command his children after him to keep the way of the Lord. (GENESIS 18:19) It was the overthrow of the house of Eli that his sons made themselves vile — and he did not restrain them. (1 SAMUEL 3:1-4:22)
In Scripture children are compared to arrows — but all depends upon the direction given to the arrow by the hand that guides it.
They are compared to vine branches — but an unpruned vine will bear no fruit worth gathering. So it is written, "A child left to himself brings his mother to shame!" (PROVERBS 29:15)
In training their children, let parents begin early. Long before a child is two years old, it will know the meaning of an emphatic "No." Even at that tender age, some measure of discipline may begin.
Yield not to the self-will or pettishness of a child. What you once say — let it be law. Without some special cause, do not turn from it. Especially punish lying and disobedience — they are the root of all that is evil.
Yet with firmness, be very gentle. Harshness is a cold wind that nips in the bud the beginnings of better things in the heart. Byron's character was ruined by the cruelty of a harsh and unfeeling mother.
Win your children by love. Draw, rather than drive.
Make home the happiest place in the world to them.
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Father, Holy and Righteous, you are our Abba Father and
our textbook for parenting. You care for your children with wisdom, loving
kindness, grace, mercy and forgiveness; you give in abundance but not anything
we want. You discipline us when we
disobey and your Word we keep close to our hearts so we don’t sin against our
children by doing what is contrary to your way – “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes
each one he accepts as his child.” We remember that our children are a gift
and a reward but they belong to you and you entrust them to our care. We are grateful
for the honor and thankful that your Holy Spirit and your Word are always there
to guide and counsel us daily. To you belong all dominion and power
for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Always by God’s Word and prayer,
Cecile
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