Christians must fight against unscriptural thinking and values and against the pressures that can destroy our spiritual health.
IN ORDER TO resist this daily attack on our minds and hearts, we need to develop spiritual defenses. (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Such defenses are especially necessary for our children, since they are not born with spiritual defenses that can counter the spirit of the world. (Ephesians 2:2) As children grow up, it is vital for parents to help them develop their own defenses. On what do those defenses depend? The Bible explains: “Jehovah himself gives wisdom; . . . he will guard the very way of his loyal ones.” (Proverbs 2:6, 8) Divine wisdom can guard the way of young ones who might otherwise succumb to harmful association, peer pressure, or unwholesome entertainment.
Such defenses are especially necessary for our children, since they are not born with spiritual defenses that can counter the spirit of the world. (Ephesians 2:2) As children grow up, it is vital for parents to help them develop their own defenses. On what do those defenses depend? The Bible explains: “Jehovah himself gives wisdom; . . . he will guard the very way of his loyal ones.” (Proverbs 2:6, 8) Divine wisdom can guard the way of young ones who might otherwise succumb to harmful association, peer pressure, or unwholesome entertainment.
How can parents follow Jehovah’s guidance and instill godly wisdom?
Trust in Jehovah
Spiritual defenses, of course, take many years to develop. There is no miracle drug that will impart godly wisdom, motivating children to trust in their heavenly Father. Rather, parents have to “go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Ephesians 6:4) This ongoing “mental-regulating” means helping children to view things the way God does. How can parents accomplish that?
A regular family Bible study is a key to success. The study ‘uncovers the children’s eyes so that they may see the wonderful things out of God’s law.’ (Psalm 119:18) Diego took the family study very seriously and thus helped his children draw closer to Jehovah. “I prepared thoroughly for the study,” he said. “By doing research in Scriptural publications, I learned to make the Bible characters come to life. I encouraged the children to identify with the faithful ones. This gave my children a vivid reminder of what pleases Jehovah.”
The prayers said by parents also make a profound impression on their children. To hear their parents humbly approach God to request his help and forgiveness moves children to “believe that he is.” (Hebrews 11:6) Many successful parents stress the importance of family prayers, among them prayers that include school matters and other things that are worrying their children. One father said that his wife always prays with the children before they leave for school.—Psalm 62:8; 112:7.
As the Bible promises, godly wisdom can give children spiritual defenses. “When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way.”—Proverbs 2:10-12.
Carrying a child in the womb for nine months is not an easy task. And the following 20 years may bring their share of pain along with happiness. But because they love their children, Christian parents strive with all their might to protect them with godly wisdom. They feel about their children as did the aged apostle John regarding his spiritual children: “No greater cause for thankfulness do I have than these things, that I should be hearing that my children go on walking in the truth.”—3 John 4.
*** w05 1/1 p. 27 How to Protect Your Children by Means of Godly Wisdom ***
Photo Credit: Dave Haygarth
