Parenthood is an experience unlike any other, and it comes with the best manual; ever to direct you on this momentous journey. It’s a book written thousands of years ago but has endured the test of time. Therefore, it is a reliable source and full of answers; if followed, that aids parents facing any challenge. This book is none other than the Bible. It’s God’s infallible Word that will not lead you astray. It gives you spirit and life.
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh conveys no benefit [it is of no account]. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life [providing eternal life].” (John 6:63, AMP). His Word is potent and filled with life-changing, transformative power. So, I recommend you eat from it daily and live it wholeheartedly.
Never be ashamed to allow your children to observe you practice it as if it’s the air you breathe. They depend on you to show them the way. And the words you speak to them have lasting effects. It becomes their inner voice that determines their future. It is because your words have creative power. And when it comes from your mouth to their ears, it can transform them. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.” (Proverbs 18:21).
Beloved, here are 8 Principals you can apply to assure your children that your words speak life and not death. Thereby bringing them unto the knowledge of who Jesus is. Likewise, who He created them to be. Oh yes, young people, God created you to be somebody because you are somebody.
1. Let their inner voice hear how much you love them. Tell the children often they mean the world to you. Still, do not instill pride in them, causing them to believe they are better than others. (Romans 12:3). They need to know when they are wrong; you will lovingly correct them. But no matter what they do, you will always love them.
2. Your words should encourage them, and not criticize or belittle them under any circumstances. Remind them who God sees them as. So, tell them they have brilliant minds. They have skills, potential, and talent. They are significant and not invisible. They are not a mistake but created for God to do the impossible through. It is why they are unique and are supposed to stand out from the crowd. God never intended them to fit in. That’s a good thing! Philippians 4:13 certifies this.
This Scripture assures them that whatever they encounter, they can be content. These biblical truths do not guarantee that any; of us have superhuman powers to combat our problems. Neither are we invincible or immune from tough seasons. It does not promise pain without sorrow, or that everything shall go our way. It shows devotion to Christ, who will empower us with His power to persevere because it is through God that we can do all things. When facing the most extreme hardships, He made that same strength available for you, me, and our youths; that He gave to Paul.
3. They should hear the inner voice always speaking the truth in love and never using words of anger to attack their self-worth. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to do this. They do not need you to ask; Why can’t you be more like your brother or sister? You are just like your no-good father. These words get embedded in their mind and determine who they become. It makes them self-doubt themselves and feels they have to live up to some ridiculous expectations of somebody to be approved. Value each of your children for their uniqueness; while training them to celebrate each other’s differences and not compete for attention.
4. Let them hear you say to choose right from wrong and truth over error even if it means they will be ridiculed. Being Christ-like is all about doing what is right despite the consequences. It is to copy/paste those actions that show His values, morals, and ethics. It’s not always easy to choose to tell the truth or do what is right. But you have to do so even when it is hard to do.
5. They should hear that you hold them accountable for their actions and that affixing blame is unacceptable. When they make unwise decisions, they need to know you expect them to take responsibility for their actions and not hide behind excuses. For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]. (2 Corinthians 5:10).
6. Tell them that the power of influence will have tremendous repercussions. So, choose friends wisely because a true friend won’t lead them astray. Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). True friends will accept them even when their options and beliefs are different. They will not cut ties with them because they won’t lie, cheat, steal, or disagree. Neither engages in activities that are wrong and unlawful. No matter how innocent their friend makes it sound, the price tag for acceptance can cause them the promising future God has for them. “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). If they could see what God sees, they would never allow anybody to persuade them to go against those biblical principles.
Likewise, teach them how proud you are when they stand up for a friend others put down just because they are different. But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. (James 1:1-9, Note Vs 9, NLT). God does not have favorites or respect for persons and we should neither.
7. Your inner voice should assure your child of their value and are worth God’s absolute best. It doesn’t mean being materialistic and thinking they are better than others. But they deserve to be respected and to be respectful. They are to treat others better than how they expect anybody to treat them. (Philippians 2:3-4, NLT). Let them see you lifting people up and not putting them down, regardless of who they are or where they are from.
It is Ok to get compliments and when somebody acknowledges their accomplishments. Still, humility will open access, and they will never be the same, while; pride will leave them embarrassed and ashamed, and people they thought they could count on will turn their back on them.
8. Above all, they need to hear they are a Champion. They have great potential, and God will do the impossible through them as they obey and trust Him. Therefore, let them hear your voice encouraging them to live a life pleasing to the Lord and never be ashamed to bring Him glory, honor, and praise. He wants to show His glory through their life; because God does have an extraordinary plan and purpose for them. The Lord will use them to do the contrary and turn the world upside down because He uses ordinary people to do great things. They will know like Moses, David, Mary, and even Gideon, that the things they accomplished were not of their doings; but at the mighty hands of God.
My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instructions.9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9, NLT). You may not always agree with your parents, but they correct and teach you because they love you. They do know what you do not know. Parents, make sure the inner voice they hear always leads them and reminds them they are valuable and important, and your life would not be the same without them.
The Blessing: Numbers 6:24-26, KJV. Young People, allow this Scripture to get embedded in your heart, mind, and soul!
I pray the musical selection; The Blessing by Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship stirs your heart and encourages you and your family.
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