TUESDAY September 18, 2018
Children of the Lord
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:4-5
When our children become teenagers, they go through physical changes in their lives. These are the most critical years when they begin to change emotionally, and they want their independence. It is important not to break the character of a child when you discipline them, or you will have a rebellious child. It is important to build their character. You have to minister to them. Remember, it is the Word of God given to your children that counts; it will never come back void (Isaiah 55:11).
Many parents in punishing their children make the mistake of continuously taking away their privileges. They keep taking away and taking away until their children are frustrated. Parents should not be forceful or place them into a box––limiting their freedom. Teenagers need to be given the same grace and liberty that God has given to them.
Do not think as parents that you can set down the law as rules and demand your children to live by them. Chuck Smith would say, “Blessed are the flexible.” There is a time to say no, and a time to say yes, and even a time when you have to be in the middle––flexible. We live in a different society; pray for God’s wisdom. Otherwise, there are going to be big problems in your home.
Understand that teenagers will ditch school, want to lock themselves in their rooms while playing loud music, yell, scream, and demand things from their parents. They feel like adults as they go through all these emotional changes. We all went through it, right? Parents of teenagers need to trust in the faithfulness of God.
Children need love, especially when
they do not deserve it.
~Harold S. Hulbert~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!