Priority Listنموونە

Relationships

Day 9: Making Him the King over Our Children
Scripture: Proverbs 22:1-8; Ephesians 6:1-4

Parent-child relationships are the most significant relationships we experience, shaping individuals and families for generations. Whether as a parent or a child, our relationship dynamics should reflect God's wisdom and love. But our love for our kids can remove God from the position as King over our lives if we are not careful to put Him first. When He is the Lord over everything, including our relationships with our children, we create an environment where we openly invite His blessings into our lives.

You may have heard the proverb, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." This proverb is true for good and bad habits. If we create good habits when they are young, they will return to them when they are older. Because more is caught than is taught, we must be the spiritual leaders in the home, instilling wisdom, discipline, and faith in our children. This initiative goes beyond behavior correction, requiring us to help shape their hearts by pointing them toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus.

In Ephesians, Paul speaks directly to both children and parents, calling children to obey their parents and recognizing that respect for authority is part of God's order. Parents, particularly fathers, are warned against provoking their children to anger but instead instructed to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This balance of guidance and grace ensures that children grow up knowing they are loved and valued, not just by their parents, but ultimately by God.

Putting God first as a parent means surrendering control to Him. This surrender doesn't make us passive observers but active participants in our children's futures by praying for them, pointing them to Him, and demonstrating faith through our actions. It means creating a home where worship, prayer, and scripture are central. As children, even as adult children of adult parents, it means recognizing that honoring our parents is ultimately an act of obedience to God, even when it is difficult.

Children are a gift from the Lord and are ours to manage, not to own. When we make Christ the number one priority, He will help us manage His children effectively. Take time today to reflect on how God is prioritized in your family relationships. If you are a parent, are you leading your children toward Christ? If you are a child, are you honoring and obeying in a way that pleases God? Ask Him to help you build a family structure that reflects His love, patience, and guidance.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of family. Help me to honor you in my role, whether as a parent or a child. Give me the wisdom to lead with love, patience, and a heart willing to learn and grow. May my family be a reflection of your grace and truth. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.