Today's Passage - 2 Timothy 1:3-5

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english 2 Timothy 1:3-5     I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.     Timothy was a main coworker of the apostle Paul and he was greatly used by God in the early church era. For Timothy to believe in the Lord and follow the path of serving the Lord was not only because of the deep influence from his mother, but even more it came originally from his grandmother Lois. This is why parents have such a great influence on their children. Of course parents should not shrink back from their responsibilities. In the family the parents need to be united in teaching the children. Couples often say because of their children's fighting, "Look, this is all because you spoiled the child!" In reality, usually when one parent spoils the child, it is because the other parent lets him do so, thus both sides have the same responsibility. God gave us children, not only to let us enjoy the joys of having children, but even more to give us the responsibility to teach them. Many parents mistakenly think that indulging their children is love and let their children do whatever they want. No wonder there are more and more problems among the youths today.     Once a woman asked Pastor Billy Graham, "Do you think what my child needs is a pat on the back and compliments?" Billy Graham answered, "Sister, it would be better if you can pat heavier." We are not advocating uncompassionate disciplining. But the Bible says, "Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death." Proper discipline can increase the feeling of security for the children, letting them know where is the boundary and they will have a foundation for their actions.      In reality, most children hope their parents will discipline them. Based on studies, the reason why many children resist discipline is not because of the discipline itself, but it is because the discipline from the parents is not consistent. One day the parent is in a bad mood, so he yells at the child, pointing at this and pointing at that. The next day the parent is in a good mood, and he wants to compensate for the previous day, so he did not care even about serious mistakes committed by the child. We may think this is helping the child. However, the child has an innocent heart and does not understand the parent's heart to want to compensate, so all the child sees are the inconsistent actions. That's why a psychologist once said, "A good rule you can enforce well is better than 25 rules that you can't enforce." May the Lord help us to follow the Lord's teachings to teach our children, so even when they are old they will not go astray.               Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, I especially pray for the brothers and sisters who are parents. May the Lord give them wisdom and loving hearts to follow the Lord's teachings to teach their children, so that the children will not stray in their whole life and the whole family will glorify your name. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!