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Learning from the Master
By Anika Sandy Hanson
Perhaps we must start with the end in mind to figure out how children should be raised. As Christians, our ultimate goal should be to raise both boys and girls who will end up in God’s Kingdom. As far as the Bible tells us, the qualifications for entry are gender neutral; for instance Ananias and Sapphira were struck down separately for their individual roles in lying about their offering (Acts 5:1-10). In fact, while Jesus was alive, he gave many admonitions. These were universal commands such as caring for our fellow human beings, not substituting men’s traditions for God’s laws, and ensuring that our main focus is on salvation. These commands and Jesus’ many other instructions are principles that should be taught by parents; mothers and fathers.
After teaching children to put their spiritual lives in the hands of God and Jesus, as their top priority, parents should again take their example from the Master and his disciples. An integral part of raising our children is to ensure they maximize on the mental and physical gifts given to them by God. As they grow and mature, they should be using these gifts to help contribute to others. One important way for them to achieve this is to develop a skill, trade, or specialized knowledge that can provide them with income (Romans 12:11). The importance of being able to earn a living is seen throughout the New Testament. The apostles worked so they could practice their ultimate career; spreading the gospel. Parents should be prepared to instill a strong work ethic; teaching children, “Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
A third important role is to teach children to develop all the gifts and talents God has given them. We find support for this in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). When Jesus gave His message, this word primarily meant a denomination of money; however, this story is equally applicable when thinking about what God wants from his children. Society often attempts to dictate what gifts and talents should be developed in whom and by whom. This has been practiced in every field from teaching to preaching. Yet, parents should expose their children to many hobbies, types of careers, and experiences. Only by experiencing different things can we know what we like and dislike and what we are good at and not so good at. Then both children and parents are able to identify and grow the talents given by God. An important part of the parable was the fact that the master not only gave initial talents, but he then gave the honorable servant a second set of talents. This reward was for growing what the servant first received and should serve as an important lesson about the type of servants our Father is seeking.
Parents who use these three steps should be well on their way to raising children who are focused on growing spiritually (including the practice of Jesus’ compassion for and focus on helping others), skilled and able to contribute to society and the financial well-being of their family, and prepared to work hard and give their best to every task they encounter. It is important to remember that just as children have special talents, so do parents. Although both parents should discipline and instruct children, one spouse is usually more skilled at achieving the desired results, sometimes it may be the father, sometimes it’s the mother. Likewise, studies have shown that children who practice healthy habits as a family are more likely to maintain healthy lifestyles as adults. So, while dad might throw the baseball with Johnny and Mom might help Sally with dance practice, the entire family should play a game of ball, get together and dance from time to time, and play a part in getting a healthy, tasty dinner to the table. Of course, we can’t leave relationships untouched; we must prepare children for the earthly union that symbolizes the spiritual one with God…marriage. A healthy respect and opinion of themselves and the opposite gender lays the foundation for a successful continuation of what the parent(s) have started. i
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