NURTURING OUR CHILDREN

Together with spiritual and soul needs, children have body needs. As Christians we are apt to neglect this. Children are children. Their healthy and active bodies undergo developmental changes especially in the teen years with hormonal activity.

Approaching adulthood, physical activity burns up much of their energy.

Spurgeon once said, ‘The religion of Jesus puts no restraint upon the innocent and healthy pleasure.’

Sport is invaluable - developing the body, encouraging unselfishness, teaching young people to enjoy winning and accepting losing. Encourage interest in several healthy sports: bike riding, hockey, soccer, basketball, netball, swimming, athletics, swimming, tennis, cricket, football.

Of course, sport can dominate a life, becoming an idol. Brenton Adcock, one of the finest back pocket footballers in the nation, was a refined example of a Christian, who enjoyed the game while supporting his home team, Sturt. However, his small son said to him, ‘Daddy, why don’t you come and kick the footy with me?’ Adcock responded, ’that made me think- now, I’m ready to quit. My family, friends and Christian faith have always been more important than the game.’

I smile as I looked across the field where the Principal of a bible College played cricket with his children, thrilled to be playing with their Dad.

Had you noticed how the Lord Jesus increased in Wisdom -intellectual capacity: stature - physical growth?

Favour with God- spiritual development; favour with man - social development.

This wise, parental guideline leads to ideal nurture of our children.

Some choice replies came from eight young people from large Christian families, well integrated, secure and happy. They had declared their faith in the Lord, and I requested them; ‘Please record the features of their happy homes, especially relating to their fathers.

One wrote, ‘Dad upholds Mum as she cares for us. He is interested in all we do, and Dad encourages me in womanly graces. He always tells me when I look nice, (and when I look ghastly). A word of praise from Dad and Mum is worth a million.

Our dad encourages us to enjoy good music, playing CD’S and DVD’s for us.

This teenager simply expressed real love. ‘Our dad is always so patient with us, and very gentle. He goes out of his way to help us all; he never gets cross; and is always thankful for his meals, whether burnt, simple or easily prepared’.

Note this choice reply: ‘My Christian father has given me a ‘yardstick’ from which I can compare the males in my life. He is an example of Christ as the Head of His church. I observe the beautiful way he expresses his love to Mother. It speaks volumes that this girl can see the love of Christ for His church because of the father’s love for her mother. No wonder this well-adjusted Christian young woman is content.

The parents’ relationships are reflected in actions in the home. Rightly-related partners overflow that love and warmth in the home, which the children sense.

They can’t assess the intimacies of that relationship, but they surely bask in the warmth of it as husband and wife respond in the nitty-gritty of home life. Children may be perceptive: one young man saying, ’It’s just a duty to Mum (and many Christian women admit this). I can tell by the way she treats Dad.’ The Bible speaks of rejoicing, which will overflow into the love relationship of family life.

The warm, deep love of a truly-intimate wife is a beautifully-embroidered curtain, hung between her husband and the world. When a husband warmly encourages a wife, her security spills over into the family circle. In sexual immorality, satan damages this holy oneness, producing unstable coolness in home life.

Dr Sidlow Baxter delighted us with his public references to “my dear Ethel’. When I met ‘dear Ethel’, she spoke lovingly of ‘my dear Sidlow’. Another occasion, Dr Ed Kilbourne and his wife, Nanoo, stayed in our home, formerly missionaries from China, South Korea and Japan. Their warm, loving affection for each other charmed us. The secret came out that Dr Ed woke his wife with brewed coffee and morning kiss. Their infectious, loving humour inspired us, proving a good example and encouragement for each of our children. ‘Come again, Uncle, Aunty’.

Returning to the teenagers, one said, ‘Dad promotes harmony and security in our home. He encourages friendships which contribute to our Christian growth. He always sacrifices financially for camps and times of fellowship with other Christians. He understands our problems, helping us, and opening our home to all our friends. God bless you, Dad’.

GWENDA

Nurturing our children will be continued in Part 2. Tell your friends of this resource.