As parents, the Lord depends much on you to discharge this God given responsibility towards His heritage. Teach them diligently the word of God at all times and everyday Deut 6 vs 7. God testifies of Abraham in that he will command his children and household after him. Can God also testify of you like Hedid of Abraham? Timothy was a man raised up by both his Grandmother Lois and mother Eunice and he became the I st Bishop of his time. If you train your child the way ofthe Lord he will not depart. Many parents may say Oh! It is not easy raising up Godly children in these modern day world where corruption, moral decadence and iniquity abounds.

But remember God promised in Isaiah 54 vs 13 that as you train them he will help you, he himself will teach then and great shall be then peace. What parents should understand is that children have spiritual, physical and Emotional needs which must be met.

HOWTO MEET THE NEEDS.
Spiritual Needs Let the child have a personal relationship with Jesus. He / she must confess the Lord Jesus as his/her Lord and Saviour inculcate an early fear of God in their hearts. Deut 6 vs I ensure that they have a clear assurance of the new birth in Christ and are daily living the Christian life. Since in the course of their growth and development they are exposed to a lot of things in school, among peers and unbelieving neighbours, there is the need for parent to check up their Christian conviction daily. You must help your child to develop Christian character such as honesty, discipline, diligence and integrity. Daniel developed a strong Christian character right from his youth. Daniel I Vs 8 Teach your child to love God and man. You must realize that there is a purpose for his/her creation and help your child to fulfill purpose.


Help them to be creatively involved in God's work and activities. Take time to share the word of God with them. Also ask them questions on that which they were taught during Sunday schools and church services. Be a good example to them. Some parents do the opposite of what they teach their children. Then how do you want your children to take to your words. He that says a man must not lie, must he? He that says a man must not steal, must he steal?

The spiritual life of a child must b ediligently taken care of because the devil worketh around seeking whom he may destroy. Be sober and be vigilant.

PHYSICAL NEEDS.
We need to ensure that they receive a decent education. This will prepare them for service to their families, the church and the nation. You should provide for the clothing and other needs of your children. I Tim 5 Vs 8. Do not neglect them. Watch what they wear and also monitor the type of clothes they buy. In any area where they choose wrongly, educate them and feed them with the word of God. It is better to explain things to them and let them see reasons rather than shouting at them all the time.

EMOTIONAL NEEDS
As parents you must know and understand that emotional needs are not peculiar to adults alone. As they approach that stage it signals the coming alive of their emotions. Study them and their temperament, likes and dislikes. Learn to draw them out of themselves and help them to discuss what is on their minds.

As they approach their teens, explain to them about the various changes taking place in their bodies. Let them know it is normal.

Control what they watch and listen to on radio and T.Y. Censor the type of video (VCD) CD they listen to or watch. Buy Christian books and magazines for them frequently. Develop a relationship of mutual trust with your children and always demonstrate your love towards them Mk IOvs 16 compliment them remember your words are powerful, they become what you say about them.

The challenge of raising up Godly children in the modern day world is enormous but as we approach it diligently the Lord will help us.

Pastor (Mrs) Taiwo Ogunbande Children Co-coordinator ClemHqr.