Laying A Solid Foundation For Your Children (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

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Topic: Laying A Solid Foundation For Your Children (Part 4)

Dear Reader,

I welcome you to the concluding segment of the series of this month’s teaching in Jesus’ name! So far, I have taught on laying a solid foundation for your children, love and control and God’s view concerning child-training. This week, I will be sharing with you, The place of the home in child-training.

Some parents lay up money, houses, clothes, cars and other possessions as an inheritance for their children. But the greatest inheritance you can leave behind for your children like I have been emphasizing for the past few weeks is a good Christian upbringing. The best environment to transfer and impart that on your children is the home.

No matter how good or expensive a school is or how glorious the church is, there is no better environment than the home. What these other places transmit to your children cannot be compared with what your home transmits to them. The school, church or society, are only meant to complement the home; they cannot take the place of the home.

Some parents even send their children to boarding schools, for the sole purpose of shying away from their responsibility and for more freedom, according to them. I pray that the freedom you think you are having today will not become a snare to you tomorrow in Jesus’ mighty name. No other place can take the place of the home. When it is time for school, let them go; when it is time for Church, let them go. But remember that they are coming back home to meet you. Don’t claim to be too busy for your children, especially in these fast-moving days. Whatever seeds you sow in their lives today will bear fruits tomorrow. (Genesis 8:22 says:) While the earth remaineth, seedtime, and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. It is important for you to note that children spend more time at home than any other place. Now, let us consider two main ways by which the home affects the children.

Leading by example

Children can be adequately be taught by example. The Word of God says: Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Children are natural mimics. No matter what you teach them, they learn by example. It is not enough to instruct your children on what to do or what not to do; they must see you do what you are preaching. “An ounce of example is worth a ton of preaching.” Children want to follow the examples of their parents. You can hide your real self from your friends and co-workers in your office, but it’s impossible to do so before your children at home. So, whatever character trait you do not want to see in your children, ensure it has been dealt with in your own life first.

Also Read: Reviving Marital Relationship (Part 4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Children are a reflection of their parents. Murmuring, grumbling and complaining parents will definitely have murmuring, grumbling and complaining children. Stingy parents will have stingy children. You know like begets like. Everything reproduces after its own kind. Your children will prefer to do just what you do than do what you preach. Simply ensure that what you do and what you say are the same. You should live a life worthy of emulation. The above Scripture instructs you as a parent to be an example in words. I believe this means the words of the mouth. You need to watch your words.

Many times, out of anger, you may want to abuse your children, but if you let those words escape out of your lips, you have sown a negative seed. Don’t speak carelessly, not even when you are angry. Let your words be gracious, life-transforming and destiny-molding. Jacob, while pronouncing a benediction on his children, declared to Reuben: Thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; (Genesis 49:3-4). It happened exactly like that! 1 Chronicles 5:1 is a fulfillment of those words:

Developing a pattern of good habit

Develop a pattern of good habits for your children. Your children need to be taught how to be diligent, not lazy and irresponsible. As a parent, you need to train them up in good habits, with fun, goodwill, and consistency. As children mature into teenagers, it becomes more difficult to develop these habits. Teach them to make their beds, tidy their rooms, bathroom and clean out the dishes after a meal. As they grow, teach them how to cook. For them to be motivated, it’s good to reward them with praise. Personal cleanliness such as regular baths, brushing of their teeth, washing of their underwear and others should be carefully supervised until a good habit is formed.

They must be taught to be orderly and careful with their toys, clothes, and books. Help your children manage their time properly. They should have regular times for going to bed, studying and doing their homework, as well as time for devotion.

I am sure God has opened your eyes to something new today. I pray that God will grant you the grace to perform in Jesus’ mighty name. Concerning your children, shame shall not be your portion in Jesus’ mighty name.

If you are not born again and want to be, you have to confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour and your Lord. How do you come to Jesus? The Bible Says: If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). It doesn’t take more than this to have perfect rest all around you. Make a wise decision today. Accept the Lord Jesus as your own personal Lord and Saviour. Make Him the Lord of your entire household and be at rest.

The Scripture above says you should confess with your mouth, and then believe what you have said in your heart. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Raising Godly Children, Building a Successful Home and Understanding Motherhood.

Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.