For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. 4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:3-4 (NIV)
First, we must understand as parents that the promise of God is real for you, for this generation and for their descendants. “I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” You must believe it and teach it to your children so that they affirm it in their lives. To learn this, we first must know the God that is behind the promise. The powerful, eternal God that continues working miracles and marvels even in this time. The God who sent his son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation and made us sons of God. He will make it possible, even in the midst of all the bad, for your children to grow solid and strong. They will always be at the edge of the water of the life of God. We must bring them to know Christ. The One who died for our sin and the One whose work of grace allows us to draw near God with confidence. We must work son that our children have the conviction that they are children of God, formed to do good works.
Second, we must dedicate time to our children to help them. It establishes links of family love, help and trust. These bonds will hold even when our children are attracted to the sin of the world.
Third, talk about your family. It might not be the best, but they are your roots. Talk about when you were a child, about what you hope for them as your children. Talk about how you see them. Show them you trust them, their skills and abilities. Show them how proud you are of them and of what they do. Recognize and stimulate their good areas. The good roots out the bad. Make them feel proud of their family, their name and their origins. It gives them identity and respect for their parents. Talk about Christ as their hope of glory.
Fourth, teach them that we are all here to fulfill our mission, and that it is a big one. We must leave a legacy for future generations. Maintain a good level of communication, presence and direction with your children. Be available first to listen, and then later to talk, and must later to become angry. (James 1:19) When we consciously listen to our children with respect, we can understand, without criticism or disqualification, and that allows us to know them better.
Fifth, know your children’s friends and classmates, which will allow you to understand the circle in which they move.
Sixth, do not constantly preach. Read the Bible at the appropriate time. A few daily verses are better than an extensive sermon. Have faith that the Word has the power to change, teach and direct.
That is how we can help the coming generation.
May God help you in all you have learned today.
Dr. Miguel and Irene Garita
Family Care Ministry, Church of the Nazarene, Mesoamerica Region
