Parenting by the Book
STUDY 25
Text: Proverbs 1 : 8
16 December 2001
Dear Parents,
BOTH FATHER AND MOTHER MUST BE INVOLVED IN BRINGING UP CHILDREN
Let us take a look at this word of wisdom from the Book of Proverbs.
My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother.Proverbs 1:8
Note that both “father” and “mother” are mentioned. It is important that we bear this in mind, and make sure that the work of bringing up of our children is a work that BOTH the father and the mother are involved.
EXCUSES DO NOT HELP! THEY CAN HARM!
Many parents have made this mistake of not engaging themselves more actively in the upbringing of their children. Many are the excuses made for failing to fulfil parental duty. Here are some of the common excuses offered.
1. “I am too busy. My wife brings up the children. I bring home the money.”
2. “I am not good at bringing up children. My spouse (either one) can do a better job.”
3. “In our division of household duties, mine is to look after the physical aspects of the house. The work of bringing up our children falls upon my spouse.”
These may sound like good reasons. We may even convince ourselves that we are essentially right! Nevertheless, the fact is that we have ignored what the Scriptures seek to teach us. Fathers are to instruct their children. But so are mothers to set down “laws” for the children as they grow up. Whatever excuses we make will backfire tomorrow!
TAKE TIME TO THINK AND PRAY ABOUT WHAT THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US ABOUT PARENTING!
The role of the father is of course different from that of the mother. Nevertheless, both the father and mother must work together, and arrive at some kind of parental plan that would spell out the challenge of instructing our children better.
As we consider what today’s text teaches, we must conclude that both the father and the mother must be involved in the process of bringing up their children!
Children must be taught how to hear the words of their fathers with great respect. At the same time, children must also be taught how they must not forsake the law (instruction) of their mother.
The word of the mother should be thought of as “law”. Children should be taught how to revere and honour BOTH mother and father. We do a great disservice to our children when the work of bringing up our offspring is left to just one parent. No matter how “effective” that parent may be, he would do even better if he had “a partner” in this great work. Our children deserve the best – the attention of both father and mother!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie