Gifts for My Children

I. Introduction: In the last several weeks, parents have been shopping for gifts to give their children. We look for gifts to bring joy to our children and perhaps teach them a new skill. We give wonderful gifts to our children on the holidays and birthdays, but every day we must give them more precious gifts.

II. I want to give my children faith.

A. We know that faith comes from hearing the word of God, Romans 10:17.

B. However, we must remember the rest of the context: Romans 10:13-17.

C. Parents are the preachers for the children every day.

D. Before children can even speak, they must be taught.

E. Sing them memory songs (books of the Bible, apostles, etc.) while changing diapers, working in the kitchen, or holding them. Read the Bible aloud if reading while they are in the room. Have family Bible study (sing or not; but Bible and prayer)

F. Teach your children how to worship God.

G. We teach by example in worship service.

H. If we are inattentive, playing or talking, what do we teach them? If we are actively participating and attentive, what do we teach? If we are not serious about our worship, they will not be serious.

I. We must teach them to pay attention and participate when they can.

J. We should never allow behavior in services prohibited in their school classrooms. We must explain why we are doing what we are doing and why they need to worship God. We must teach them to love God, and that begins by teaching respect for Him and His worship (from “adore”).

III. I want to give my children a godly example.

A. Children see through inconsistency and hypocrisy.

B. Our example may determine whether they accept the Bible as the word of God or as something not to be taken seriously.

C. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – The word of God effectively works in us. Paul did not commend their “profession” of faith but their practice! Our children must see Jesus and His doctrine alive in us not something that we do occasionally and give lip service to on most occasions.

D. We must give an example of dedication to the Lord.

E. Do our children see us reading our Bibles even when we are not preparing for a Bible class? (Do they see us preparing for Bible class?) Do our children see us active in the work of the church in whatever capacity we can serve? Do our children see friendship with brethren and concern when they are in need?

F. We must give an example of fairness.

G. “Do unto others” applies to our relationship to our spouse and children. Our children must see selflessness and service between the spouses.

H. We must give an example of repentance.

I. We must be willing to tell our spouse and children “I’m sorry, I was wrong” if we hope for them to learn repentance. We must not teach them the “blame game” but, by our example, teach them to accept responsibility for actions, consequences of good and bad actions, and seeking forgiveness from God and man for wrongdoing.

IV. I want to give my children time.

A. There are so many demands on our time; some unavoidable, some optional.

B. We must schedule time to spend with our children:

C. Playing with them Talking with (not to) them Instructing them Wise use of our commute time with them (to school, practices, etc.) is important but not the only time.

D. Time is generally the gift children want most of all.

E. Sometimes we need to turn off the T.V., put down the paper, shut off the computer, and find ways to spend time with our children (of all ages).

F. We can teach responsibility when spending time together.

G. Share in housework or household repairs and chores.

H. This teaches responsibility within the home. Should not always be paid – responsibility as part of the household. Provides time of working together which generates good feeling of shared accomplishment. Teaches mutual ownership of the house Teaches respect for one’s own possessions and other’s possessions. The job will take longer and have more frustration at first but the kids will learn the job and the parent will learn patience and understanding.

V. I want to give my children discipline.

A. This is the toughest gift of all to give or receive but may be the greatest.

B. Proverbs 13:24

C. Corporal punishment is a demonstration of love.

D. Abuse is not considered here, but fair punishment. We do more injustice to children by not punishing them. It must be administered promptly to be effective.

E. Proverbs 22:15 – It is to teach wisdom and remove foolishness.

F. Proverbs 23:13-14 – It may be the thing that saves his or her soul.

G. Proverbs 19:18

H. Jewish tradition, chasten while there is hope and do not set your heart on his crying. His eternal welfare is more important than his temporary comfort.

I. Proverbs 29:15

J. The rod is to reinforce rules and teach respect for the parent’s law. Rebuke is another tool to teach proper behavior. The absence of both brings only shame.

K. Hebrews 12:5-11 – God’s punishment is proof that discipline shows love.

L. If you have promised punishment, you must deliver.

M. Don’t reward bad behavior (giving in to whining; playing when taken out of the worship service).

N. Again, abuse is not the issue—all oppose it—but rather effective immediate punishment given in love and teaching and reaffirmed love.

O. Parents must establish the God-given control of children.

P. Teach young children to make decisions, but parents decide. There was a couple that let their 5 year old decide whether to go to Bible class or not. Should never be an issue. We teach them what is right and often must make them do what is right. That is training and discipline (literally disciple-ing!)

VI. I want to give my children the gift of love.

A. So many children in the world do not have love.

B. Criminal abused and neglected children. Children neglected by parents who are in their own worlds. Children on field trips that gravitate toward the attention and love.

C. Think of 1 Cor. 13 in relationship to children.

D. We must give a love that is shown, not just spoken.

VII. CHILDREN: What can you give your parents?

A. Be thankful for godly parents who love, teach, and discipline you.

B. Thank God in your prayers for them. Try to live so that they do not serve with difficulty or grief.

C. Obey your parents, Ephesians 6:1-3

D. Heed their godly instruction

E. Proverbs 1:8-9; 6:20-23; 4:10-13; 3:1-8 Parents, read the 1 st 9 chapters of Proverbs for good lessons to teach.

VIII. Conclusion: Psalm 127:3-5: Children are an inheritance from the Lord. We must wisely direct their paths as an archer directs arrows at a target. Godly children are a crown to godly parents and godly parents are a treasure to children.