Ginger Hubbard

We have to get them to think right and to be motivated out of a love of virtue, a love for what's right, a love for God.

rather than just a fear of punishment.

So failure to reach the heart is the first problem.

And then the second problem is that many parents are just not following the instructions in the instruction manual.

You know, I once heard Roy Lesson say he compared God's instructions to parents to an owner's manual for a new appliance.

You know, think about it.

When you buy a new appliance, the manufacturer provides you with an instruction manual.

It tells you how to use the appliance and how to keep it in the best working order.

If customers experience problems with that product, then they're encouraged to contact the manufacturer for repairs.

And it's the same with families.

The family was God's idea.

He brought it into being.

And in the Bible, He has given us instructions for how it operates best.

And so when we experience problems in raising our kids and we don't know what to do, we're encouraged to contact Him through prayer.

And He promises in James 1, 5 that when we ask Him for wisdom, that He will give it to us.

Do you think a lot of parents want to be more firm, but they're just really afraid of coming across as unloving to their children?

I do.

But the most loving thing that we can do is to train our children in the wisdom and instruction of the Lord.

If we don't do that, that's an injustice to our children.

They need us to be the guide.