PARENTING DEVELOPMENT

Theme: LIVING A BALANCED LIFE

Title: PARENTING DEVELOPMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalm 127:3-5, Colossians 3:21, 2 Timothy 3:15

INTRODUCTION:
Parenting is one of the greatest assignments entrusted to humanity by God. Children are described in Scripture as a heritage from the Lord, which means they are a divine trust, not just biological extensions of ourselves. Every parent is a steward called to nurture, train, and guide children into God’s purpose for their lives.

Raising children goes beyond providing food, clothing, and shelter. It involves instilling in them godly values, teaching discipline, correcting in love, and modelling Christlike character. Parenting is not passive; it is an intentional act that requires patience, consistency, and prayerful dependence on God.

In today’s world of moral decay, broken homes, and distorted values, the call to effective parenting is urgent. A failure in parenting is a failure in generational transfer of godly heritage. But when parents rise to the task, they raise arrows that will impact nations, preserve righteousness, and glorify God in their generation.

1.  PARENTING IS A DIVINE RESPONSIBILITY
Parenting is not optional; it is a divine mandate given by God to every father and mother.

a) Children as God’s Heritage (Psalm 127:3–5) – Children belong to God first before they belong to parents; we are only caretakers of God’s treasures.

b) Stewardship Role of Parents (Deuteronomy 6:6–7) – Parents are commanded to diligently teach God’s Word daily to their children, making it part of everyday life.

c) Accountability in Parenting (Malachi 2:15) – Godly parenting seeks to raise a seed that will glorify God. Parents are accountable for what they plant in their children.

d) Parenting as Partnership with God (Genesis 18:19) – God commended Abraham because He knew he would command his children after him to follow the way of the Lord.

Biblical Example: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:27-28) dedicated Samuel back to God and fulfilled her role as a faithful parent, leading to Samuel’s destiny as a prophet in Israel.

2. DISCIPLINE AND CORRECTION IN PARENTING
Godly parenting requires discipline that is balanced with love and wisdom.

a) Correction as Proof of Love (Proverbs 13:24) – Parents who love their children will discipline them, guiding them away from destruction.

b) Balanced Discipline (Colossians 3:21) – Discipline must not be harsh or provocative but should build children into responsible adults.

c) Consistency in Correction (Proverbs 29:17) – A child who is consistently corrected will bring peace and delight to the parents.

d) Training through Example (Titus 2:7) – Parents must model discipline in their lives, for children learn more by observation than by instruction.

Biblical Example: Eli failed to discipline his sons (1 Samuel 3:13), and this negligence brought judgment upon his household and loss to Israel.

3. NURTURING WITH LOVE AND CARE
Discipline must be balanced with love, warmth, and encouragement to raise well-rounded children.

a) Showing Unconditional Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) – Parents should demonstrate love that is patient, kind, and forgiving, creating a secure atmosphere for children.

b) Providing for Needs (1 Timothy 5:8) – Beyond spiritual training, parents must provide materially and emotionally for their children.

c) Encouraging and Affirming (Ephesians 6:4) – Words of affirmation build children’s confidence and help them grow into their God-given identity.

d) Praying for Children (Job 1:5) – Parents must stand in the gap through intercession, securing their children’s future in prayer.

Biblical Example: The mother of Moses (Exodus 2:1-10) lovingly protected him, nurtured him, and positioned him to fulfil destiny in Egypt.

4. RAISING CHILDREN FOR DESTINY FULFILMENT
Parenting is not just about managing childhood but about preparing children to fulfil their God-ordained destinies.

a) Discovering God’s Purpose (Jeremiah 1:5) – Parents should seek to understand their children’s divine assignments and guide them toward it.

b) Equipping with God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:15) – Teaching children Scriptures from early age helps them grow wise and prepared for destiny.

c) Mentorship and Guidance (Proverbs 22:6) – Parents serve as the first mentors, guiding children’s paths and choices.

d) Preparing for Generational Impact (Psalm 78:4-6) – Parenting is about transmitting godly values to the next generation so the legacy of faith continues.

Biblical Example: Lois and Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) raised Timothy in faith, and their spiritual investment in him shaped his destiny as a leader in the early church.

CONCLUSION:
Parenting is one of the most important ministries on earth, entrusted by God for the preservation of righteousness across generations. It requires discipline, love, intentional training, and continuous dependence on God. No parent can succeed without divine wisdom, prayer, and godly example.

When parents rise to this calling, they are not only shaping the future of their children but also shaping the future of nations. God is calling fathers and mothers to take their place as builders of godly heritage. Parenting is not just raising children for ourselves—it is raising them for God’s glory and for kingdom destiny.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, give me wisdom and grace to raise my children according to Your Word.

2.   Father, help me to model Christlike character before my children.

3.  Lord, deliver me from negligence and inconsistency in parenting.

4.  Father, help me to discipline my children in love and not in anger.

5.  Lord, let my children grow in the fear and knowledge of You.

6.  Father, provide me with resources to meet the needs of my children.

7.   Lord, break every generational curse that may affect my children’s destiny.

8.   Father, surround my children with godly influences and mentors.

9.   Lord, help me to raise my children as arrows that will impact their generation.

10.   Father, let my parenting bring glory to Your name and joy to my household.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  You shall not fail in your parenting assignment.

2.   Your children shall grow in wisdom, stature, and favour with God and man.

3.  You shall not bury your children prematurely; they shall live to fulfil destiny.

4.  Your children shall be mighty in the land and a blessing to generations.

5.  You shall have the resources to provide and care for your children.

6.   Your home shall not lack peace, love, and unity.

7.  Your children shall not depart from the way of the Lord.

8.   Your parenting shall produce generational impact for the kingdom.

9.  You shall enjoy joy, honour, and fulfilment in your children.

10.  Your family shall be a model of godliness and a testimony to the world.