A Moment in Training- Learning to Parent from Scripture

Many times I am asked by women, “Where did you learn all of this?” I always reply, “By reading the Bible!” My parents were wonderful and I love them dearly. I am confident that their example of God’s unconditional love was instrumental in my personal walk with God. I am sure that the time they invested in having a personal relationship with me displayed that personal relationship that Christ desires to have with each of us. Surely God has used my parents in ways I don’t even understand. Yet, as a mother I found myself seeking wisdom for hours through the day as I would read the Word, and pray regarding the issues in my home. As I read through the Scriptures I began to see patterns, examples, that I could apply in my home. For example. I don’t let my babies “cry it  out” I took the example in Isaiah 66:13 that says, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” While I do believe all are born with sin I don’t believe that baby crying is trying manipulate you. I believe they are trying to communicate a need they have. I believe that all children should be answered quickly when they cry so they know that when they cry out to God He too will answer them. Of course there is a balance. When a child is crying out of anger and sin I ignore it (with them in eye sight so I know they are safe.) I will tell them I can’t hear you when you throw a fit like that… first stop doing wrong, and then we can talk. I took that response from Scripture as well. In Isaiah chapter 1:15-19 we are told, “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” From the time my children are little they are learning to communicate with me. “Use your words” we will often say to a little one that is struggling. We are patient, kind, and consistent to display the same loving training that God has used with us! Another idea I took from Scripture was in baby proofing my home. Many parents expect toddlers to live in an adult world and get frustrated when their child breaks the glass figurine, touches the antiques or so forth. They act like it’s the child’s fault for not knowing that those items are not for them. Other parents let their children have full rule in the home and never teach them boundaries. I can’t tell you how many families have come through our home over the years with children that would get into our personal belongings because they hadn’t been taught boundaries and respect of others property. In our home, I always baby proof each room but often have “one thing” that they are not to touch (just as God did in the garden of Eden). I train them not to touch that item and if they refuse to hear momma or papa’s words they are corrected.

There are so many examples we can glean from the Scriptures for our parenting. Seek wisdom! You will find it!

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood