Building Stong Christian Homes

The Lord designed Christian homes to ideally be a place for the family to enjoy peace and happiness. Our homes are (hopefully) a place where each member of the family respects every other member.

Below are reasons, given by the Amish, for disobedient children. I thought this was very interesting & have used it to consider ways to improve our lives. (This becomes even more interesting if applied to how our heavenly Father deals with us—His dear children…)

Reasons Children are Disobedient:

1) When instructions are not always clearly and/or properly stated the child can be confused.

When a child does not know how to proceed, s/he can't obey. (Lord God, make your way plain before me so that I understand…Help me to obey when I do understand Your directions!)

2) The child feels the parent/authority does not mean what they say.

When promises or threats are made but not kept in a timely manner, disobedience is encouraged—and respect for the parent/authority is lost or weakened. (Holy God, I know You mean what you say in Your Holy Word. Help me understand how awesome it is… that You always keep Your promises… And that you also discipline those You love—because You love them.)

3) A parent consistently gives in when a child cries. (This does not include *babies* or if a child is hurt.)

When this happens, you make the child the master of the parents. At times a child cries to "punish" someone. So you "allow" the child to punish the parent this way. (Abba Father, Thank You loving me so much that You do what is very best for me—not necessarily what I want—even when I cry about it and quote scripture to try to back up what I am saying…regardless of Your holy and perfect will for my life. Thank You for working *all* things together for good for *all* of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Romans 8:28)

4) Parents do not immediately insist on obedience.

You've probably heard: "Delayed obedience is disobedience." If discipline is left until later, it often multiplies the problem. If parents take care of discipline *before* they get angry, they deal with the child in a positive manner. (Dear Lord God, thank You for being patient with me and not getting angry with me. Help me to become more obedient because I love You…)

5) Child does not understand that disobedience to parents is also disobedience to God.

This is a huge issue in our society today! If a child does not learn to respect authority when they *are* a child, they will have a lot more trouble learning to respect authority (and God) when they are older. (Heavenly King of Kings, help me respect Your authority and obey You with an obedience that flows naturally out of my love for You—a love You birthed in me… 1 John 3:19)

6) Expecting too much from a child - or not explaining clearly/properly (as stated in #1) causes a child to lose heart.

The last thing a loving parent wants to do is cause their child to lose heart... (Beloved Lord, I praise You that You always know what is too much for me & promise that You will not give me more than I can take!)

7) Your anger gives the child control.

Let your child know how their disobedience saddens your heart, but never give in to anger! (Lord God, it amazes me that You only have righteous anger. Thank You for not being angry with me—even though I feel I deserve it because of my sin. Yet because Jesus died for all of my sins, I can repent—and You will wash me clean from all sin & unrighteousness! I praise & thank You Lord!!!)

8) Child wants parents' attention.

The best gift anyone can give (including giving to their children) is their time. Time is God's currency. (Precious Abba… How my heart is comforted knowing You are always with me & will never leave nor forsake me…)

9) Respect for children has not been shown.

If a child cringes at a parent's or authorities word... This is not Christian or respectful! (Gentle Savior, how tender You are with me… You are truly the Good Shepherd and I am only a lowly lame lamb. You have allowed me to know You, and in all the time I’ve known You, You have shown only perfect love You have for me. Help me rest securely in Your love and mercy.)

10) Child has not learned to pray.

Teach child to pray for guidance. God's Holy Spirit is the *only* One who can bring about complete obedience. Too often prayer is given last place in our lives - or it is forgotten altogether. (Lord, teach me how to pray just as You did Your first disciples… More and more… deeper than deep… Let me come unto You and dwell with You, oh precious lover of my soul...)

How awesomely blessed we are to have Abba Father who loves us more than we love our own children... How blessed we are to have our beloved Savior; Jesus our heavenly Father's Son. Jesus...who died for our sins & washed us clean by the power of His Holy Blood. How awesome to walk with Him, being led by the precious Holy Spirit in all that we say and do... Our wonderful Comforter during these times...

I pray that this blesses your life as it has mine.

Lots of love to you in our Beloved Savior, Jesus,

ooly!

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