Three-fold Parenting

Read

Joshua 4:6 “...to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Think

In Joshua 4, Joshua foresaw that future generations would inquire about the stack of stones placed in the Jordan River. Consequently, he instructed parents to seize this moment to recount the miraculous event when God parted the waters of the Jordan (Joshua 4:6-7). He grasped the significance of this opportunity as a reminder to pass down the narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness to future generations.

Effective parenting hinges on a threefold approach: involvement, modeling, and instruction. When we create an environment of respect, where our children are encouraged to express their thoughts and questions, their inquisitive minds naturally lead them to seek knowledge. Each question they pose becomes a gateway for us to impart valuable truths they might not otherwise encounter. Regrettably, we sometimes view our children's inquiries as disruptions to our daily routines, inadvertently overlooking the chance to nurture their God-given curiosity.

Don't squander these divine opportunities to saturate their young minds with stories of God's faithfulness and boundless power, reminding them that, like in Joshua's time, God always fulfills his promises.

Apply

How can you remind your children today of God's faithfulness in your life? Show them times where you have seen his goodness. Talk about them and write them down for future generations.

Pray

God, your goodness and faithfulness endure through the ages. I have witnessed your guiding hand in my life and in the circumstances of my family. Thank you for guarding and protecting us. Help me to impart your great grace and endless mercy to my children so they see how mighty you are. In Jesus' name. Amen.