January 2: Of Resolutions Regarding our Children

Genesis 3:1-4:26

Matthew 2:13-3:6

Psalm 2:1-12

Proverbs 1:7-9

Yesterday we wrote about the importance of reminding ourselves who God is, and developing the habit of learning what He wants of us - delighting the law of the Lord and meditating on His law day and night. Yesterday was about the importance of our relationship with our Father.  Today's readings are a great next step - they talk about the importance of a parent's relationship with their child.  

In the New Testament reading, we see Jesus's dependence on His earthly father.  Joseph heard, listened to, and obeyed God's command to flee to Egypt, keeping Jesus safe from Herod.  This tell us how important it is that in raising our children, as parents, we are to listen to God. 

In the psalm is an admonition to the child, to listen to his parents: "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching."  While seemingly directed at the child, it also makes the obvious point: as parents, we are to teach. 

And in the Old Testament reading, we see Adam and Eve's sin against God, and their subsequent disconnect between each other ("The woman…she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it") emulated in the sin of their son Cain, and his subsequent disconnect from his brother, Abel.   Which makes a third point: as parents, we cannot just listen to God and teach, we have to model the behavior. 

I know we already wrote about resolutions yesterday.  Today, a special resolutions section for parents seeking to raise Godly children.  Three resolutions: listen to God, teach our children, and model the behavior we want them to develop.  

Father, the children You have entrusted to us are precious in Your sight, and dear to our hearts.  Help us this year to raise them better than we ever have - by listening to Your guidance, teaching them Your way, and living a life of good example.