Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1054
Children Need To Be Taught
by Larry Ray Hafley
The title of this article could be the name of a series of books. However, we shall limit our thoughts to a few items children need to be taught.
First, children need to be taught respect for God and the authority of the Bible. Without that, the child can never be truly wise, nor can he ever be saved in heaven at last (Deut. 6:6, 7).
Second, children must be taught to honor the appointments of God. Children of ancient Israel were to be taught the sacredness and importance of divine duties (Ex. 12:14-17, 24-27). So must our children be instructed. How, though, can they learn their value when we show disdain and disrespect by forsaking the assemblies of the saints?
Third, children should be taught to honor their father and their mother. Such honor will not be hard to teach if the home is one that fears God, prays to him always, and is characterized by godly living. Children honor those who love them, train them, and are good to them. Do your children honor you?
Fourth, children must learn to respect and obey social and civil authorities (1 Pet. 2:12-18). When the aforementioned items have been stamped on the child’s heart, this principle is easily inserted. Without the other elements as a foundation, this point will prove hard to instill and install.
These fundamental axioms must be learned in the home, but they cannot be learned unless they are taught. Parents, what are teaching? Remember, your children will grow up, and you will reap what you have sown.
