Simply defined, that role is teaching our children. The main purpose of childhood is to learn the things necessary for adulthood. The most important lessons we teach our children are about God and how to serve Him. I look to the Old Testament as a model:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
It would seem to me that what God was telling the Israelites was to teach their children at every opportunity they could about God and His commands. Have regular Bible study with your children and teach them God’s Word. Look for opportunities and everyday object lessons with which to teach our children about God and His Word. One example might be that if you’re out admiring nature, talk about God’s hand in creation.
Of course all the teaching in the world won’t be enough if we don’t exhibit Godly behavior ourselves for our children. We must also show them by the example of our lives how they should live, just as we have been given the examples of Godly men and women before us as well as Christ Himself.
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” (Hebrews 13:7)
“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” (James 5:10)
“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15, Jesus speaking on serving others)
I consider teaching my child about God and Godly behavior the most important task to which I’ve been charged. I take it very seriously and seek God diligently for His help and grace. May God bless you as you seek Him in all that you do, especially in raising your children to live for Him.
Amen!
Children are so very impressionable. Today, children are exposed to so much evil and ungodliness through television, public schools, music, billboards, etc. We must, must, must be diligent in our teachings of the way of our Lord to our children. As you said, living out the word in their presence is vital and will, at times, speak louder than words.
It is incumbent upon the parent to stay informed about what their children are being taught in school and to make their objections known to the school officials. This is probably a given for some parents, but there are many parents who tend to let the teachers and school officials “do their jobs” and simply stay out of it for myriad reasons and only get involved when the child needs help with their homework.
We will be held accountable for what we allow our children to be exposed to (though, some things are unavoidable) and for the things in which we allow them to participate.