As mothers, we have been given the wonderful responsibility of raising children to walk in faith with Jesus Christ. However, with all the demands of the modern world, we sometimes find ourselves not having enough time for our children. Raising children requires a lot of time, patience, understanding, discipline and involvement. Because of our many responsibilities – as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, boss, employee, or colleague – we would sometimes need the help of those around us.
There is an old African saying that goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We have all heard this before, but we often forget its importance. A child absorbs information and learns from the attitudes and behaviors of people in his or her surroundings. These early influences may determine who and what kind of person the child will grow up to be.
Try asking yourself these questions as a guide for raising children:
Who do you want your child to be?
What values or beliefs do you want to impart to your child?
How will you accomplish this?
The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The scripture tells us that we must teach our children what is right from what is wrong as early as possible so that it will enter their hearts and they will keep it there for all the days of their lives.
A spiritual foundation needs to be laid in the hearts and minds of our children early on. A child’s first source of knowledge is his or her parents; and subsequently, the other people who are always around. If we engage ourselves in the midst of bad company, then our children might pick up the unpleasant habits and mindsets that these people carry.
Surround your child with people who you believe are a good influence. Being part of a body of believers in Christ will not only show your child of your love for Jesus; but it is also a great environment for your child to grow up in. Let your child be raised among like-minded individuals who believe and receive the grace of God.