Raising Children

As we look to be specific in our study of 1 John 2:16, the study of raising our children is one that we have chosen. Because the eyes are a gateway into the mind, then what we read or observe from others in this area affect what we think, what we believe and what we do. There are many secular views of "how to" raise children, and we want to challenge you to search out what God's will is regarding this area. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, godparent, or have any influence over children at church - you can take these biblical principles and apply them to your situation. I appreciated what Carolyn Mahaney had to say regarding a biblical view of motherhood. What follows in our discussion over the next several days has been taken from her thoughts. You can find her complete message titled "A Mother's Responsibility" here. http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1175-01-51 It is a free MP3 download and I encourage you to listen to it. Carolyn Mahaney gives this biblical "job description" of a mother. "As a mother, I am called by God to provide for my children an authentic example and biblical training with a tender love, so they might receive and accept the gospel." As we discuss this topic of raising children, we will break down the parts of her job description. First, a mother is called by God. It was God's idea in the first place. This gives encouragement to us as mothers (or grandmothers, godmothers, teachers, etc...) that what God has called us to do, He will equip us to fulfill! Children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and yet sometimes as parents we do not see them as blessings. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with the demands of motherhood that we do not remember to see our children as blessings. But God's Word reminds us that our children are blessings! Take to heart the truth that God will give you strength to fulfill your calling as 2 Corinthians 12:9 so clearly shares - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."