Insulate Your Kids

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) 

This verse was highlighted at church this week as we discussed the importance of raising our children.  The basic message; instead of just incorporating (making them believe what we believe) or just isolating (trying to keep them away from anything that could have a bad influence on them), we need to insulate them - instilling godly values in them so that they will make the right choices for themselves.

As parents, this can be difficult. As my kids get older (oldest is 13), I find it much easier to just "lay down the law" and assume that they'll turn out OK. Sure, this tactic is necessary when the kids are younger, but as they mature they will need to learn how to make their own decisions. I won't be there every time they flip through the TV channels, or browse the internet, or hang out with friends. They will need the courage and maturity to make the right decisions for themselves, and I need to model that for them, teach them what God says, and listen to them as they struggle to make the right choices.

This verse from Proverbs is very reassuring as my wife and I attempt to raise our kids in a godly manner. We need to teach them to trust and acknowledge God, and then God will direct their path. And as parents we need to trust and acknowledge Him as we raise our kids - and the end result will be up to Him.

Author: Mark Dwyer