Few subjects are more important than the bringing up of our children for the Lord. Over the years the Free Church has failed greatly. Generations of children have been lost. We must of course acknowledge that it is not in our power to save them. However, parents in other denominations have seen far more success than we have. What can we learn from those who have seen God’s blessing on their families?

Love our God
Children quickly see through hypocrisy. If we tell them to do what we do not do, we may be sure that they will rebel. However, when they see genuine Christianity in us, it will have a great impact on them. We must be consistent in our lives. What excites us most? Our children will notice when they see us thrilled with the experience of God and they will want to share in this.

Love our Children
Surely all parents love their children, but to what extent? How much time do we spend playing with our children? When we are very busy and tired do we still make time for them? Are we self-denying? Do we make the excuse that we are working hard to give them a good standard of living, treats and holidays? It is far more important to give time regularly to our children. Some who grow up in homes where money is short are often more attached to the things of God than those who have heaps. Do we love our children enough to discipline them, to say no to them when they are prepared to make a fuss and sulk? Do we tell them we love them and do they feel it is true?

Worship
Family worship has a tremendous effect. God is presented to our children as the Head of the home. The day begins with the family gathering to call on the name of the Lord, to thank Him for the night’s rest, for health and strength, for salvation in Christ and to seek His blessing on the day. The day draws to a close with the family again recognising God. The Sabbath is important involving rest from work, cares and pleasures and marking the family out as different from the world around. The children are brought up to see public worship as a privilege and something normal. From the earliest age they attend church twice on a Sabbath. But there is also another regular meeting in our churches. The Word is preached midweek. Children should be brought along from early childhood so that a pattern for life is established before rebellion sets in. The children who attend the prayer meetings have a special place in the prayers of God’s people.

The Home
Happy homes and strong family bonds are very important in the upbringing of our children. A large percentage of the child’s time should be spent in the home. Generally those who go astray are those who roam the streets and are to be found spending many hours in the houses of friends. Our children must mix with others, but they do that through the day in school. As much as possible have your children at home in the evenings. In early and mid-teenage years peer group pressure is very powerful. Protect your children from it as much as possible by limiting their contact with ungodly young folk. Non-Christian friends may tempt them into drink and drugs and immorality. To keep our children apart without heavy discipline (which in the end can be counterproductive) will involve us doing things with them which they enjoy. It is hard work at times, but the end product is worth it.

Communication
Do you know what your children are thinking, what they think of you and of your religion? How much time do you spend with them discussing their day? The dinner table can be a very important time for the family. Beware of TV dinners. Talk and share. Try to get them into long talks about their interests, perhaps at bedtimes or when they are relaxed. Encourage them to be open to you. Find out from them about their friends. Every subject should be covered including relationships. Discourage them from having boyfriends or girlfriends till they grow up. Some parents joke lightly about these things and give the wrong signals to their teenage children. A member of the opposite sex can easily become a wedge between our child and God.

TV, Videos, and Internet
What is filling the minds of our children? Are we allowing them to watch things which are eroding their standards? For example are they seeing immorality being portrayed as the norm, marriage undermined and sin as something exciting and harmless? With a computer it is very easy for young people to access pornography with its addictive and soul-destroying power. Ideally children should not have televisions or internet-linked computers in their bedrooms. We must be aware of what our children are seeing and be constantly warning them and checking what they are doing. In many ways it is easier not to have a television.

Education
Some parents have been looking at the option of Christian education or of home-schooling. There are certainly advantages. How much evil our children learn in school! Our Church is considering the possibility of employing a Christian teacher, either to start a Christian school or to support those who are educating their own children. However, the important thing is to be involved in our children’s schooling wherever they are educated. There is no easy solution. We cannot leave it to others, even to a Christian teacher. God has given us this child to bring up for Him and that is our duty.

Teaching
Important as our example is to our children we must not think that they will become Christians without instruction in the things of God. The Bible is our text book, all is inspired and all is valuable. We must teach them concerning their duty with regard to God. The Ten Commandments and their applications show children what God requires and convict of sin. However we must not stop with the do’s and don’ts of Scripture. It is vital also to teach them the way of salvation and to exhort them to believe in Jesus as their Saviour. Warning them of hell, we must lovingly plead with them to make their peace with God. Our great ambition must be to see them born again and witnessing on the Lord’s side.

Prayer
Who can measure the power of prayer? We cannot pray too much for our children. We are more concerned for their soul’s salvation than their education, success or popularity. Let us pour out our heart to God on their behalf. Day after day plead with God for their conversion and do not give up when they make a profession of faith. Many who begin well go back. Look in faith to God. He is able to save. He gives particular encouragement with regard to the children of Christians. They are covenant children. We baptise them. That will not save them but it gives us encouragement to look for their conversion. Next to your own salvation that of your children is your greatest priority. Let them see that this is the case and that failure will break your heart.