It is better to prepare the child for the road, than to just prepare the road for the child – Anonymous
How do you prepare your children for the road of life? How do you teach them? What do you instill in to them.
The bible says that if you train up your child in the way they child should go, then your child will not depart from the training when he/she gets old (Prov. 22:6)
While it is right to say this means we need to train up our children to know God, it is incomplete to leave it to such a broad answer. There are details that are important for you to know; details that if you do not know and instill into your child may leave them handicapped on the road of life. Details that if you do not share will leave them unprepared for the road of life.
These details are throughout scripture. Perhaps it is most evident in the God’s public announcement of Jesus after He was baptized in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. After the baptism, God publicly and unashamedly pointed attention to Jesus as He affirmed Jesus’s identity (His Son) with affection (Beloved), and with no strings attached (in whom I am well-pleased is what God said though Jesus had not performed any miracle or fulfilled anything).
This is like parenting 101: Show your child attention, affirmation, and affection. Let them know through words and deed that your love for them is unconditional. This will instill into the security and confidence they need to face the challenges of life.
In 1 Chronicles 22, we are provided with a little more insight into the things that are critical for a child to know. This passage of scripture reveals what King David told His son, Solomon. It is interesting that of all of King’s David sons, Solomon stood out (see the picture that goes with this blog).
If you want your child to standout from the crowd and be successful, then you must share with them, the very things that David shared with Solomon
(1) Confirm Your Child’s Identity (1 Chronicles 22:9): David reminded his son, Solomon of the name given to him by God (for it was God that named him Solomon). Similarly, you have to remind your child of the name that God has given him or her. See, the world will call your child all sorts of names, and in so doing, try to alter their identity. You need to ensure that your child know the name God has given him or her so that they may be rooted in their identity. God calls His children beloved, pearls, treasures, desired, royalty, priests, blessed. You must remind your children that this is what they truly are.
(2) Affirm Your Child’s Purpose (1 Chronicles 22:10): David reminded his son that his purpose was to build the house of God, and by so doing, make his name famous among the countries (1 Chronicles 22:5). Likewise, you must remind your child of the life purpose. In Ephesians 2:10, our life purpose is termed as good works. That means our purpose (generally speaking) is to do good in this world. It is to add value to people and contribute to the good of this world. You must your child that they are force for good. Inspire them to aspire to great things to the glory of God. Be their champion. Let them know they were born to reign in life
(3) Speak Blessings Over Your Child (1 Chronicles 22:11): David blessed Solomon with his words. Likewise, you must bless your child with your words. This does not mean that you refuse to rebuke your child when they go awry. No! Even a rebuke can be a blessing. If you do not believe me, just go read Hebrews 12:11! When I say bless your child, ensure that your words are designed to have a loving and positive impact on your child. And specifically, you should speak blessings over them. And you should do this over and over again.
(4) Teach Your Child God’s Unfailing Principles (1 Chronicles 22:12-13): David reminded Solomon that the commands were there before he (David) was born, and the commands are going to be there after him. God’s commands and principles never change. Moreover, God’s commands and principles bring success when we follow them. Be sure to teach and remind your child of God’s unchanging and infallible principles.
(5) Sow into Your Child’s Future (1 Chronicles 22: 14): David gave Solomon a head start in life by preparing the material Solomon needed to fulfil his purpose. Similarly, we are to do what we can to ensure we give our children the best head start in life. What does that mean for you? Does it mean deciding to put away some money for their college fund? Does it mean investing in high quality tutoring? Does it mean letting them hang around your business so they can learn what you know? Whatever it is, start preparing for tomorrow today.
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SuperChamp 