In what ways can parents teach their children to "fear the LORD"? The Central Verse Psalm 34:11: “Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” What “Fear of the LORD” Means • Holy awe that treasures God’s majesty (Proverbs 9:10). • Humble submission that hates evil (Proverbs 8:13). • Loving obedience that keeps His commands (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). This “fear” is not paralyzing terror; it is profound respect that draws children toward, not away from, their Father. Model It First • Let your children hear and see you pray (Psalm 55:17). • Read the Word aloud daily; react to it with genuine emotion (Jeremiah 15:16). • Confess sins openly and ask forgiveness; humility shows God’s holiness (1 John 1:9). • Rejoice audibly when God answers prayer so they link reverence with joy (Psalm 40:16). Fill the Home with Scripture • Post verses where eyes naturally land (Deuteronomy 6:9). • Memorize a passage together each week; recite at meals or drives. • Play Scripture songs during chores or playtime; melody tucks truth into memory (Colossians 3:16). Worship Together—Formally and Informally • Prioritize Lord’s-day worship; punctuality and attentiveness communicate worth. • Set aside a brief family-altar time—sing a hymn, read a chapter, pray short prayers. • Turn everyday marvels (sunsets, new flowers) into spontaneous praise moments (Psalm 19:1). Teach Through Life’s Interruptions • When discipline is needed, connect consequences to God’s holiness and mercy (Hebrews 12:10–11). • Use news events to contrast worldly fear with fearing God above all (Matthew 10:28). • Celebrate resolved conflicts by thanking God for His reconciling gospel (Ephesians 4:32). Practice Loving, Consistent Discipline • Establish clear, biblical standards; inconsistency undermines reverence (Proverbs 13:24). • Pair correction with instruction in righteousness—explain the “why” behind rules (2 Timothy 3:16). • Restore fellowship quickly; reassure them of your love and the Lord’s (Psalm 103:13). Celebrate God’s Faithfulness • Keep a family “Ebenezer journal” of answered prayers; review on birthdays or holidays (1 Samuel 7:12). • Mark spiritual milestones—first Bible read-through, profession of faith—with special meals or outings. • At Thanksgiving and Passover-style dinners recount redemption history (Psalm 78:4). Guard Hearts from Competing Fears • Limit media that glorifies sin or trivializes God; reverence erodes by exposure (Psalm 101:3). • Teach discernment: “Does this make God bigger or smaller in my eyes?” (Philippians 4:8). • Encourage friendships that sharpen reverence (Proverbs 13:20). Provide Opportunities for Personal Engagement • Assign age-appropriate ministry tasks—greeting at church, writing cards to shut-ins—so they serve the King. • Encourage private devotions: a children’s Bible, simple journal, prayer list (Mark 1:35). • Affirm every step: “You honored the Lord by telling the truth—that’s the fear of the LORD in action!” Persevere with Hope Galatians 6:9 reminds parents that harvest follows faithful sowing. Continue modeling, teaching, and celebrating the fear of the LORD, trusting God’s promise: “His mercy is upon those who fear Him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). |
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