The Relation Of Parents To Children

By H. C. Slade

    The relation of parents to their children is a matter for serious consideration. In this relationship, as in all others of course, our heavenly Father is the best and highest example. Parents will do well to ask the question: "How does God treat His children?" We know that He bears with our weakness and always consults our interest. Every action in dealing with His own is motivated by love.

    "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" (Psa. 103:13). Children need encouragement in these days. They can become despondent as well as adults.

    On the other hand, children require discipline. Spare the rod and spoil the child. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth" (Heb. 12:6). Doubtless the great contributing factor to juvenile delinquency so rampant in our day is failure on the part of parents to exercise corrective discipline. Actually then the delinquency is to be found more on the side of the parents.

    Parents are not to overlook the matter of discipline. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). This training includes not only teaching, but discipline as well. God said, concerning Abraham: "I know him that he will command his children and his household after him" (Gen. 18:19). Abraham, as you know, was called the friend of God.

    Our prime task as parents is to bring our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We are to surround their tender lives with Christian influence and constantly set before them godly example. If parents are to do their full duty they will teach their children God’s Word. They will not neglect the matter of discipline and will do all they can to encourage their children to become all that God would have them to be.

    – The Gospel Witness.