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Children are a challenge, but a challenge to cherish! And having children brings never-ending joys, (Psalms 127 and 128)

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begets a wise child shall have joy of him". Proverbs 23:24

God "seeks godly offspring," so parents serve as God's stewards in preparing their children for membership in God's family. “And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And why one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth”. Malachi 2:15. By far the greatest heritage we can pass on to our children is God's truth, faith in God and godly character. Inspire your children to have the highest goals and aspirations for this life and the next.

But Satan the "destroyer" (Revelation 9:11) is out to seduce our youth while their hormones are up and their defenses are down. Diligent parents must be the daily antidote to his poison. As parents, your own previous sins do not lessen your authority and obligation to teach what is right. It is unnecessary and often harmful to "confess" to children past sins for which you are ashamed. Hopefully, your influence will result in your children not making similar mistakes.

First of all, pray for your children! As a parent, be as diligent as if it all depends on you, but pray as if it all depends on God!

More than ever, godly parenting is a full-time responsibility, especially in "this present evil age". Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, Galatians 1:4. “But our children can survive and thrive if they have a parent or parents deeply devoted to "train up [each] child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6).

"The way he should go" is revealed in the Bible. Be diligent to have God's words "in your heart". “And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in your heart. Then "you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Each and every Christian family is expected to recommend family prayer and Bible study. When families do this on an almost daily basis, it can be a warm bonding time as well as a wonderful habit that can continue until the children leave home. But teaching must not be limited to once per day. Deuteronomy 6 tells us to take advantage of every teaching opportunity, and having numerous opportunities requires time and being together.

Much of the teaching is simply by "talk." Encourage conversation about anything and everything. Emphasize and reward honesty so your children will be open and honest with you about everything that happens in their lives. Be respectful of all questions and don't overreact to anything.

There are many excellent books and articles on parenting and Christian morality. "Let the wise listen and add to their learning" (Proverbs 1:5, NIV). And encourage your children to be passionate readers of good books and magazines.