Providing for Our Children
What kind of parents does God want us to be? The subject of parenting has been over the years a very much debated topic, both among Christian households as well as in society in general. Yet, God has given us very clear direction as to what He expects of us as parents.
However, we have the results of the generation that the so-called experts have raised. We have seen how an absence of biblical principles in parenting has corrupted the children of our society. We need to take a close look at how God instructs us to raise our children.
In this article, we will be focusing on the provision for the children. It is the responsibility of each parent to provide for their children. In an effort of teamwork, the parents are to give their children different types of provisions.
Monetary Provision
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (I Timothy 5:8)
This is the provision that most often falls on the father. He is supposed to be the “bread-winner” of his home and the one who goes out and works to bring home the money to pay the bills and take care of his family.
Living in a society that is rapidly becoming built on a two-income system it may be necessary for the man of the house to take on multiple jobs to meet this provision or for his wife to also undertake secular work to help ends meet. I believe it is always best for the lady to stay home with her children, when possible, this will be the best for the children. However, on occasions where duty dictates, she rises to help her husband in this provision.
Love always requires action. Failing to provide for the needs of the family is not a projection of love. Therefore, because a man loves His family, he provides for his family.
Domestic Provision
“To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” (Titus 2:5)
This is the portion of the provision that generally falls to the wife and mother in the home. She is to be a keeper of the home the Scriptures tell us. This is the provision that is natural to a mother. It is natural for a mother to be sure her children have proper food to eat. It is natural that a mother be sure that her children have good clothes and clean clothes to wear. It is also natural that a mother seeks to provide her children with a clean and safe place to live.
When a mother has to help the father with the monetary provision, it is only fair that the father then helps the wife with the domestic provision. It is not fair of a husband to have his wife work all day and then expect her to come home and work while he relaxes.
Spiritual Provision
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” (Proverbs 4:1-2)
Both parents are responsible to make sure that their children are spiritually fed. How does a parent spiritually feed their children?
Teach them to read their Bible.
Teach them the Bible yourself.
Put Scriptures on the walls of your house.
Take them to Sunday School and church.
A strong family does not solely rely on church to teach them spiritually. Church and Sunday School should be a strong and necessary supplement to what you are teaching them spiritually at home.
Educational Provision
“My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.” (Proverbs 5:1)
This is a provision that is the responsibility of both parents. Whether you home school your children or send them to school you are still responsible to be the chief instructor in their life. It is very unhealthy for parents to disengage from the instruction of their children in education.
Relational Provision
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” (Proverbs 29:15)
When we do not spend time with our children we are not providing the relationship that they need from us as a parent. I believe it is important for us to provide for our relationship with our children in three ways.
Serious Interaction
This is had in heart-to-heart talks with your children in an effort to show them your heart and teach them your ways.
Playful Interaction
is coming down to your children’s level and interacting with them in their world of play and imagination.
Individual Interaction
This is finding ways to have one on one time with your children. Take them out for a meal or spend some time with just them. This will go a long way in building your relationship with them.
Provision is one of the most basic things we will do for our children. If we cannot provide for them then they will feel that we do not love them. It is a sad thing for a child not to feel love from their parents.