Parenting children is an absolute delight! My husband and I are the parents of six grown children, I am so thankful I was able to stay home and disciple each child through a homeschool environment. Kids need tons of time and attention. Especially in this day and age where there is such confusion over identity. Today we’re going to be specifically talking about boys and asking a hard question. Are You Raising Boys Or Men?
We can all admit that men in our culture and much of the Western world have been demeaned and undervalued. Feminist ideology began to be introduced and then feminism took hold. This ideology is based on lies and has done incredible damage to our husbands and sons. Regrettably, it has made raising sons and growing them into men difficult.
Another destructive influence of manhood and especially biblical manhood came from a completely different source. Technology including television, movies, computers in all their forms, and video games continues to perpetuate lies about what and who a man is. Let’s not forget the destruction of prolific pornography available at the click of a button.
The third cause of the underdevelopment of boys is the destruction of the family through fatherlessness. It is well-researched and documented. Boys need fathers to show them how to be men.
Are You Raising Boys Or Men?
- There are only two options out there, God created males and females. We are made in His Image and we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Speak this truth, live this truth, and compassionately confront any misunderstanding about this truth.
- Dad’s and Mom’s please make sure you have and maintain an open and healthy relationship with your sons. Love and respect each other and all your children. The are the glorious creations of God.
- Do your sons know that they were made for a very special purpose? Being a man is part of that purpose. Each person is created with things to do for our Savior Jesus. We are to spend time with Him, study His Word, and understand and accept the person God created us to be. Train your son on the joyous reality of living in light of God’s love.
- Teach your sons about what the Bible says about being a boy and then a man. Converse and explain away what the culture says about manhood. Be diligent in gently correcting wrong thinking. Discussions where both the father and son patiently communicate with each other are of critical importance. Why not go on an adventure of two?
- Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
- What does a godly man look like? Dad make sure you are living this mandate out. However, it is tremendously reassuring for a boy to see that his father isn’t perfect. That he makes mistakes and repents. Seeing this process displayed in a father’s life has a powerful impact. Teach your son how to fail well which always includes repentance to God our Heavenly Father.
- Pray every single day that your son is glad to be a boy and that he will healthily grow into a godly man.
Go Deeper
The Measure of a Man: Twenty Attributes of a Godly Man
YOUR TURN…
What has been your biggest struggle raising sons?
Blessings,
Janelle
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