Godly Character Traits

God’s View of Children

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:" (Psalm 127: 3-5)

God’s Instructions to Parents: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord . . . " (Eph 6:1-4)

Summary: Children are a gift from God, a sacred stewardship temporarily entrusted to parents for the purpose of raising godly offspring to fulfill God’s agenda for His world.

Four Snapshots of a Godly Parent:

1. Esp. 6:4 (positive clear-cut objectives)

God's metaphor of children being likened to an arrow that the parents will craft for the purpose of releasing it towards the goal is contained in Psalms 127: 3-5. For the arrow to reach the goal it's flight must be straight and true.

Each parent must have a dream, or goal, in mind for their child. Everything that you do as a parent needs to focus on reaching that goal. _ The Principle of Focus (vs. out of fear)

_ God’s Dream vs. The American Dream For Your Child:

Rom 8:28 that the life and character of Jesus be developed in their heart. God is more concerned about who they are than what they do.

God has a goal for your child too. See Romans 8:28 where it states "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." God's purpose for your child is that your child will have a heart for God and live a holy life (this is the same goal that God has for every parent). Too many parents care for their children out of fear of what storm may affect their child. Parents ought to focus on the goal and not all the fearful things out in the world.

What are some Godly goals?

Character Traits to teach your children:

1. Determination – stick with it regardless;
2. honesty – speak and live the truth always;
3. responsibility – dependable, trustworthy, follows through;
4. thoughtfulness – unconsciously thinks or others over self;
5. confidentiality – not telling secrets and sealing their lips;
6. punctuality – other people’s time is valuable;
7. self-control – under times of stress to remain calm;
8. patient – waiting without irritability, willing to wait to drive a car, willing to wait to talk;
9. pure – reject anything that lowers the standard;
10. compassion – when you see the hurt of another your care;
11. diligent – to work hard and to tuff it out.

2. Godly parenting demands we Practice what we Teach

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 1 Corin. 4:14-16

_The Principle of Modeling:

I’m your parent, whatever you see me do – you do the same

Your children will not do what tell them, but what they see you do

Look in the Mirror and determine if you are what you want your children to be like

_ More Is Caught Than Taught

3. Godly parents build relationships that that bond.

(Picture of a mother) But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

(picture of a father) As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

The Principle of Relationship

Eight “Keys” That Build Relationships That Bond

1. Unconditional love
2. schedule time
3. focused attention
4. eye contact
5. meaningful touching
6. ongoing communication
7. have fun together
8. pray with them

4. Godly parenting requires constant repair and ongoing maintenance.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

_ The Principle of Process

It’s a journey what works today will not work in six months.

_ 5 Magic Words - !

“I’m sorry, please forgive me.”

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8