Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the
scribe, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD."
And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it. And Shaphan the scribe came to
the king and brought back word to the king and said, "Your servants have
emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into
the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the LORD."
Moreover, Shaphan the scribe told the king saying, "Hilkiah the priest has
given me a book." And Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. And it
came about when the king heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore
his clothes.
- II Kings 22:8-11
Lost and Found
When I first began writing Raising Godly Tomatoes, I intended it only for my own
children. I wanted to provide a written record of the principles and techniques
I had followed in raising them. Eventually, after two decades of parenting and
writing, I began sharing some of these principles and methods with others. When
I did, I was stunned to find so few like-minded moms! Newer moms not only didn't
do things the way I did, but they were learning almost the opposite, practicing
everything I was against. These moms were not succeeding in their parenting, and
weren�t enjoying their children, but were resistant to change. My advice was
generally unwelcome.
Most of these moms were not Christian so it should not have been much of a
surprise to me to find they had such different and dissenting viewpoints, but as
I began sharing more with Christian mothers, I was astonished to find this
secular influence among them as well. Many believing moms had no idea how to
parent in a wise, godly way. All their parenting information was coming from the
world and many were failing, and feeling desperate and lost. They knew their
parenting skills were decidedly ineffective, but didn't know what the problem
really was or how to fix it. They wanted their children to be godly, respectful,
obedient, happy and enjoyable to live with, but the world was telling them it
was unreasonable to expect such from children, and they are believing this
deception.
Why is the world of parenting in such sorry shape? Why don�t new moms know
what to do? I often think our condition parallels that of Israel before the days
of Helkiah, when the lost book of the law was discovered. Our parenting
�book� has been lost. With no truth in front of us, we are scrambling to
accept any vain theory that comes along.
That unbelievers would consult secularists for parenting guidance is
understandable. But why would Christian parents ever consider doing the same
thing? The command to "come out from among them and be separate" certainly
applies to raising our children. God's word ought to be our source for parenting
guidance, not the world and it's vain philosophies.
That unbelievers would consult secularists for parenting guidance is
understandable. But why would Christian parents ever consider doing the same
thing? The command to "come out from among them and be separate"
certainly applies to raising our children. God's word ought to be our source for
parenting guidance, not the world and it's vain philosophies.
Tragically, most Christians have never consulted the Scriptures for the fine
parenting advice found there. How ironic that we search the scriptures for
doctrinal propositions, apologetical arguments, and exegetical sermons, and
ignore the rich body of content that addresses the most daunting and significant
responsibility in life -- the raising and nurturing of our children.
Typical of the ignorance of most Christians in this area is the woman in the
following little personal story: When my oldest children were still small, I
remember telling a Christian mom I knew, that I was convinced that all we needed
to know about parenting could be found in the word of God. She dismissed my
assertion as nonsense, insisting, "The Bible doesn't tell you what do to
when your toddler won't stop throwing his food on the floor."
I must admit that you are not going to find any place in the Bible where it
specifically mentions toddlers throwing food on the floor, but is the Bible
really so silent about childrearing that we have to go to secular sources? I
don't think so. I think it is over-flowing with childrearing advice. Every page
shouts it! Instead of seeing doctrines and theologies when I open my Bible, I
see practical everyday advice - parenting advice.
As I wrote Raising Godly Tomatoes, I included many verses to demonstrate the
wealth of Biblical references to child-rearing. I could have included many more.
In a very real sense, one might argue that the entire Bible deals with child
rearing. If every chapter reveals how God deals with His children, we, in like
fashion, have the perfect model for dealing with our own children. Every verse
about Christ's obedience to His Father is the prototype of how our children
should be taught to obey us. Every description or demonstration of God's
character tells us what to aim at in regard to shaping and nurturing the hearts
of our children.
As you go about your parenting duties, look to the principles God has laid down
in his word. Read your Bible with your children in mind. As you watch your
children throughout the day, observe their character to see if it reflects the
character of God as revealed in His word. Love your children as God loves you.
Remember that your final goal is a godly adult whose own offspring will conform
to the example of our Lord and raise his own children toward that same goal.
Search the scriptures for the knowledge of God heart and ways and teach your
children to have the same heart and ways.
We need to find our parenting book again. I pray that Raising Godly Tomatoes
will help to revive the biblical parenting skills taught in God's word, that
have been lost to recent generations.
"Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Regarding the
words which you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled
yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and
against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and
you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you,' declares
the LORD."
- II Kings 22:18-19
|
|
|
