Parents should be a child's first role model
Published:Monday | May 6, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Steve Lyston, Contributor
We are living in a time where immorality is getting more coverage and attention than crime, poverty and social injustice; and we are now seeing men apologising for speaking and standing up for fundamental truth.
One of the greatest requirements on the church is the capacity to discern between the spiritual struggle and other social, personal and political difficulties.
Since the family is the key component within society, proper relationships must be maintained. All must know that the family is the first governing institution from creation.
Recognise that poor family upbringing yields poor leadership and thus, a poor society; and if the family is what makes the society, then we need to have a separate ministry that will be responsible for the family.
Parents are the first role models for their children and their responsibilities include motivating and shaping the minds of their children in such a way that they are not easily swayed by negative influences; but that, instead, they will make good choices to foster a healthy society.
It is the parents' responsibility to teach their children about abstinence from premarital and extra-marital sex. They must know the spiritual and physical dangers of these activities. Parents need to teach them the importance and significance of acquiring sound education. They must teach their children that their bodies are of great value and that it is in fact God's temple - not just a temple.
Parents must recognise that simply issuing or supporting the distribution of condoms throughout schools and even at home is promoting early and premarital sexual activity - not to mention promiscuity - all in the name of boosting revenue from condom sales.
It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children the benefits of the children honouring their parents (Exodus 20:12). God promised extended life to parents who would grow their children in the fear of God (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).
Be a guide
Teach them when they awaken each morning, before they go to bed, when you sit together at the dinner table and when they walk with you on the streets.
Parents must guide their children from an early age concerning who they marry - wrong choices bring problems.
Parents must teach their children to obey rules and the laws of the land.
Parents must teach their children to stay away from drugs, illicit activities, the wrong doctrine and even the wrong attitudes toward others. They must let them know that there are people within the society who will influence them to carry and engage in all kinds of things, and that they must stay away from them.
Parents must recognise that there are people and organisations that benefit when their children go down the wrong path (jail, funeral homes).
Parents must understand that the same persons that influence their children to do the wrong things, are the same ones who influence the authorities to get rid of their children - whether to shoot them or imprison them.
Parents should pray for, not against, the children of others because you never know if in doing so you are protecting your own children.
A father must recognise that he is the first man in his daughter's life; a mother must recognise that she is the first woman in her son's life and that each parent, therefore, sets the standard for them to follow when choosing a spouse.
Parents need to spend the time to watch the shows and scrutinise the video games that their children have. Look for the subtle messages which sensitise and pull them to the wrong things and stir up wrong attitudes in them.
Parents must also recognise that the popularity and level of intelligence of an individual is not what makes them a good role model.
Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'