The Power Of A Positive Parent

A constant concern of those who love God and their children is that of always doing what is best for their children.  We appreciate the words of Manoah when he said, “Teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born” and “How shall we order the child”  (Judges 13:8). We receive very little preparation for the incredible responsibility of rising the next generation. 

How can a parent be a positive influence in the lives of their children?

1. Offer Words of Encouragement – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).  Our children's finest qualities grow when they hear encouraging words from us. Correcting our children when they do wrong is part of our job as parents, but we also need to pay attention to what they do right and encourage them along life's pathway.

2. See the Big Picture – “Children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalms 127:3).  It is easy to dwell on small issues and miss the big picture. As parents we need to decide what is really important in life, such as character, responsibility and respect for others. We must hold our children accountable and help them to grow to be responsible adults, but we must determine what issues are worth a battle and what issues need only discussion.

3. Stop Whining – “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).  It's easy to look at what is wrong in life.  It takes discipline to be thankful and positive. We need to turn the attitude at home toward hope and not despair. We all have challenges, but we also have a choice as to how we will take them on.

4. Strengthen Important Relationships – In our hectic world, it is difficult to take time for our important relationships.  Look at your life and review what is necessary.  Are you giving your family and friends only leftover time?  It's easy to become overly busy with responsibilities. We must examine how we spend our time in accordance with the relationships we value.

5. Set a Good Example – Your kids get their best 1essons for living by watching you.  They learn how to live, how to handle trials, how to handle success, all by watching you.  If you want kind children, be kind.  If you want honest children, show them your honesty.

6. Teach Strong Moral Lessons – “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).  It is our job to pass on our values and moral standards.  Society's moral standards are declining.  We must teach our children the moral standards of God’s word, if this society is to survive.

7. Love and Forgive Others – “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).  Tell your children on a regular basis that you love them.  Demonstrate a spirit of love and concern for others before your children. The ground work of love you give will be a blessing to them all the way into adult life.