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When I taught elementary school, I could not “wing it” when teaching my students. I had to think ahead about the year’s schedule. I had to search for effective teaching materials and look up creative ideas. I spent hours planning each lesson to give my students the building blocks they needed to succeed in the next grade and beyond.
Likewise, God gives parents the job to prepare our children in their spiritual lives. We cannot leave this vital teaching to Sunday school teacher or educators.As parents, we must provide discernment as much as possible.
Outside of your home—at school, or with neighborhood children, or with others out in the world—there will be times when your children will be influenced by people who are somewhat beyond your control. Your children will encounter influences that are ungodly. That’s why we must commit and seek to teach them about God’s ways.
Eventually, our children will grow up, and leave home to go to school or start a job. Their leaving our nest is natural and normal. And it means that you’re not always going to be there for your children. They will be in situations that require them to make some life decisions on their own. But before that happens, we parents need to give them wisdom for spiritual discernment. Teach them how to make godly choices on their own. Isn’t that our main goal as a godly parent?
As our children grow, we should be training their spiritual sensitivity so they can “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). If you are in this position, start with what’s going on in your home. Who are your children’s friends at school? Where are they spending their time? What are they reading and viewing?
As you instruct your children in God’s ways, put these practices into place:
Wherever and whenever you and your child are together is God’s opportunity for you to teach your child about Him. So take advantage and be purposeful with the gift of such times. But, if they are too few and far between, plan, schedule, and determine to make them happen as if it were your most important job on earth—for it is!
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my child and the time that I have with them. Help me make the most of it, teaching them Your Word and Your Ways. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES 
A Mom After God’s Own Heart—Here is fresh help for you—a busy mom!—to make God an everyday part of your child's life.
Through the Bible One Rhyme at a Time—Fun rhymes and colorful pictures combine with Bible truth to help your child’s faith grow.
REFLECT
What discussion or activity will you plan today to guide your child into a better understanding of God?
REMEMBER
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
“I used to be so confident. But now I feel like such a loser.” Do you feel this way? My God never asks for us to have confidence in ourselves. He only asks that we have confidence in Him! And when God commands, He also supplies. This is true for every area of your Christian life. You can get up every day, go to your closet, and select the spiritual clothes you’ll wear for the day. Here’s a partial description of God’s approved wardrobe.
Father’s Day gives families the time to thank dads for the many ways they meet our needs. While we can show that appreciation more than one time a year, let us take time to count the many blessings we enjoy because of our husband, and show him blessings in return.