KNOWING YOUR CHILD

Rise and Shine for Jesus!

By Pam Iannello (my late mother)

Proverbs 20:11 (KJV)

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

As mothers, in preparing our children for future life, we can discern what their greatest struggles may be by examining their early inclinations. This is one of the ways the Bible says we can KNOW our children – by their individual doings.  In fact, the way that any person makes known to others what he is like is by his deeds – omitted and committed. Hypocrites can fool people for awhile, but eventually their actions will betray them…

So then, what does the behavior of your child indicate? Are their doings infected with impurity? Are their manners true and good in all settings? Is their attitude right; their purposes untainted? While you are pondering the matter, stop and consider how others KNOW your child/children as well. What kind of an impression have your kiddies made upon other people? Yes, God says your child should be conscious of and concerned with the imprint they leave on the heart and mind of folks, whether young or old. I realize that every mother wants their offspring to carry a good reputation, but ladies, you cannot campaign for them – your child’s DOINGS speak louder than anything you have to say about them! Good conduct provides the best answer to any allegation…   

Proverbs 27:11 (KJV)

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

Mothers, you must soberly urge your children to behave themselves wisely, or else you will have no grounds to stand on in trying to defend them! Are you teaching your offspring the importance of their WORK being pure and right? Yes, I said WORK. It will not hurt your children to involve themselves in activities whereby they may break a sweat! (Extra effort of any sort will not damage their character; it will develop their character.) Do your children understand that uprightness must escort them in whatever capacity they are occupied? Ladies, our job as parents is not to “redefine” our child’s doings, or seek to have them excused, or lay the blame elsewhere, but to govern them with loyalty to the truth!  Are your parenting methods a credit or discredit to the gospel? God expects us to train our children to take holy responsibility for their actions, not relieve them of the consequences!

Luke 6:43-44a (KJV)

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [44] For every tree is known by his own fruit.

In light of the manner of most children these days, I find it hard to believe that folks don’t KNOW that something is wrong with their poorly behaved children! The problem is, they KNOW it, but are choosing to ignore the truth. Ladies, far too many parents are neglecting to instill the right value system in their children’s hearts and minds because they cling to the wrong one as adults! Things that are pure and right are rarely the priority when folks lean on their own understanding and emotions. Hence, children are permitted to grow to be self-willed rather than God-willed.  Somehow Mom and Dad simply refuse to accept the fact that their little Johnny or Suzy was born in the shape of a sinner and needs religious molding…

Psalm 51:5 (KJV)

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

You see ladies, the way you observe your children will determine the way you mold them. If you do not look at them through God’s eyes rather than your own, it is likely that your children will not take on the image and likeness of Jesus Christ – they will stay in the same shape they were born! Our parenting technique must carry a Biblical perspective. Thus, you must realize your child is a sinner and needs a Savior. When is the last time you pondered that fact and then responded accordingly as a parent?  Do your children understand they were shapen in iniquity; have they poured out their soul to God for mercy and grace? Using the scriptures, have you been diligently training them to identify and conquer their sinful tendencies on a daily basis? Or have you kept them from seeing themselves as a sinner by frequently covering for their unacceptable conduct? What do their doings prove about their devotion to God?

Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

Examine the confession habits of your child/children and you will see that they are closely tied to your assessment of their actions. “My parents said I did nothing wrong so I don’t have anything to confess.”  Ladies, if that is the philosophy at your house, your children are in grave spiritual danger!! Mom, you have enormous potential to either advance your child’s relationship with the Lord or hinder it altogether. The difference depends upon the way you view their doings. Look again, won’t you? Do YOU have the right value system to pass down to them? Are their works truly pure and right? If not, tell your child the truth and point them in the right direction – toward heaven and away from hell. If you love your children, don’t keep them from their need of God, keep them from the fruit of their own doings!

Isaiah 3:10-11 (KJV)

Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. [11] Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

As we close, realize parent, that there will come a day when each of your children will have to stand before the Lord ALONE and answer specifically for their doings, small and large, good and bad. You will not be able to stand and speak or cover for them in that moment as you have insisted on doing their whole lives. Have you been providing your offspring with suitable discipline and counsel in relation to their sinful ways? Or would God say that you’ve left your child to himself? What a dreadful shock it will be for those children who have never been permitted to suffer for their wrong doings on this earth… Endeavor to conscientiously prepare each child for a confrontation with the Lord; because this is one meeting you won’t be able to spare them from!

Proverbs 29:15 (KJV)

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

God Bless,

Pam

Isaiah 60:1&2

Copyright 2004 Pamela A. Iannello

Revised 2007