God has given every parent the privilege of molding children in a manner that will glorify Him. The generation we raise can live free from the bondages we had to overcome.


God has given every parent the privilege of molding children in a manner that will glorify Him. The generation we raise can live free from the bondages we had to overcome.

With the Word of God that we have learned, we can teach even the youngest one to be victorious over the devil.

This privilege is also an awesome responsibility. God expects us to pattern our parenting after Him. He is a model worthy of imitation.

Ephesians 3:14-15 says, "For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family...derives its name."

Children form their image of God from their parents. What image of God are you portraying to your children?

God does not father His children through dictatorship, but through relationship. God wants to have fellowship with the man He created. The Old Testament reveals God's desire to dwell among His people (see Ex. 25:8; 29:42-46).

But He wasn't satisfied with simply dwelling among them. So He sent His own Spirit to dwell in His people. His desire is to be close, so close He lives within every child of God.

In the same way, parents should desire to have fellowship with the child they have created. Such close companionship means that the parent truly delights in being with the child.

In Genesis 3:8, it says that God walked in the garden looking for Adam and Eve. It was His practice to spend time with them as a friend.

God the Father placed man in a garden where all his needs were met. He is still willing to take full responsibility for the well-being of His children. He expects the same of us as parents.

Adam's purpose was to reflect the glory of God. Through man, God wanted to demonstrate His holiness, love, wisdom, comfort, faithfulness and grace. Man is to be the reflection of God's character.

God has given children an inborn desire to imitate their parents. Every child has said, "I want to be like my daddy or mommy when I grow up."

Like a mirror, your children reflect your life. They will manifest the values you display.

Source: Aim Your Child Like An Arrow by Vikki Burke.
Excerpt permission granted by Dennis Burke Publications