It’s All About the Heart

As I sat and watched my 10-year-old daughter draw this beautiful little masterpiece pictured above, I began to think about her little heart. It is so tender and open to learn whatever my husband and I teach her. That is a HUGE responsibility. She takes to heart anything we say or do. She follows our example. She trusts us to be honest with her. She expects us to keep promises we make.

During my devotions the other day I was reading through Deuteronomy 6. It really hit me hard. I am accountable to our Lord to teach the scriptures to my children. He says I am to do it with diligence. According to the dictionary the word diligence means: a constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.

That means I must aspire each day to train my children with God’s Word. From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed, I am to be teaching my children the scriptures. This is a very difficult task. It can be trying at times. Our flesh cries out to be satisfied. When our children are driving us batty, the last thing we think of is going to the Word for help. Our selfish sides want to yell at them and just get them to listen to what we want them to do. The problem with this is we break their spirits when we lash out in anger. Yes, it gets the behavior to stop momentarily, but in the long run they don’t learn anything. They just see mom or dad as a bully. Godly discipline is about training the heart. Instructing our children in love as we teach them right from wrong.

You are probably thinking, but my children aren’t willing to listen unless I am yelling. I know exactly where you are coming from. I used to think that too, but to be honest, all my screaming never got to the root of the issue. THE HEART! If our children are acting out, there is usually and underlying issue. Perhaps they feel they are not being heard, or they feel you are not giving them what they need. They want our attention and they are willing to do anything to get it. We need to address the heart of the matter. Stop and ask yourself why your children are not obeying your voice. Could it be that you have been so busy with life, that you have not taught them how to listen and be obedient? In Proverbs 22, we are told that folly is bound in the heart of a child. That means it is our job to teach them how to act and react. We do this by training their hearts daily. We must take time to teach them what the right responses are. Giving them the tools they need to make the right decisions in life. They don’t know these things naturally. They were born sinners just like you and me. They need our godly instruction.

This is a lot to take in, isn’t it? I remember thinking I would never get it right. I still have days I struggle. I am learning to pray before I react. I am going to the scriptures instead of friends for parenting advice. I am trying hard to be a godly example for my children to follow. I am constantly reminding myself that if God can train me with patience and love, then I can do that for my children. The key is obeying the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit and to be willing to say “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Spirit.

Today is a new day. It is never too late to begin teaching our children God’s Word. God has given us these precious children to care for. As we go about our days, all we do and say should be pointing them to Him. Are you up for the challenge?

My name is Betty Daley. I am a wife, mother, and homeschooling teacher. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 24 years and we have six children. I have been homeschooling for 20 years. Our older three have graduated The Daley Academy, and we continue to homeschool our younger three. We love sharing about our homeschooling adventures. Our family motto is “Do all to the glory of God”. We pray that we can encourage others as we give you a look into our lives. https://letsgetreal2016.blogspot.com/