Family Government (4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Family Government (4)

Dear Reader,

It has been a most exciting time thus far this month, examining some very fundamental and most vital issues that relate to Family Government. I am sure you have benefitted a lot from the issues discussed thus far.

In this concluding part of the teaching, we will examine the aspect of CHILD TRAINING. Why this aspect? Because children constitute immediate members of the family government after the parents.

Both the man and the woman have a joint responsibility to perform in training the children. They both have different roles to play in the family government, in order to ensure lasting success and excitement in the family. Just as it took both the man and the woman to bring about the birth of the child, so also, are they expected to nurture them together.

God’s Word says: Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate (Psalm 127:3-5). Children as members of the family government are additional blessings from God, Himself, sent to spice up the family.  Children are sent to add colour and meaning to your family government.

Can you imagine a nation having a president, governors, ministers, commissioners but no people to oversee? There will not be much governing to do. This case can be likened to the blessings of having children in the family. They are rewards and “arrows” (Verse 4). An arrow is a lethal fighting weapon that is used for various purposes. Children in the hands of God can be likened to such lethal weapon that can be used to destroy the works of the devil. They are blessings from God that are invaluable (Verse 5).

Therefore, you have a responsibility to prepare them the way skilled craftsmen fashion arrows at the blacksmith’s workshop. You have to carefully and patiently groom them to become arrows as faithful and responsible adults in the area of business, education, legislature and gospel promotion.

Daniel was not a preacher, but a politician; yet, he was righteous and upheld the name of Jehovah (Daniel 5:11-12).  Joseph was a prime minister who also upheld integrity (Genesis 39:8-9, Genesis 41:38-41). Other examples include Samuel (1 Samuel 3:19) and Timothy as a Bishop (1 Timothy 4:14). These are some examples of men who were brought up in homes where God’s laws were taught, thereby fashioning them to become arrows in God’s hands.

Two major tools for training your child are LOVE and CONTROL. These two are of equal importance. You cannot control a child you do not love, and you cannot effectively love a child you do not control. You need 100% of both in training your children.

God’s Word says: But Jesus called them to Him and said, let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God (Luke 18:16).  Also, Mark 10:16 says: And he took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them”. These are practical examples of how to demonstrate love to your children. It summarily involves you developing a mutual and trustworthy relationship with them.  Always demonstrate love to them in your actions and words, and when teaching, training or disciplining them.

Children are very sensitive; so, if your actions and words do not portray that you love them, they will doubt you even if you say so. Treat them respectfully and not as inferiors. Remember, they are very important members of the family government too! Never be too proud to say, “I’m sorry” to your child when you make a mistake.  Don’t tell them to do what you won’t do yourself. Allow them learn by examples; children learn faster this way. Remember, children need love, especially when they don’t deserve it.

Control on the other hand, means to have authority and power in order to direct, manage and rule. Love without control will lead to destruction (1 Samuel 2:22, 29). Children should be taught early in life, how to submit to higher authorities. Exercising control in training your child should be done with patience, using yourself as an example for the child to follow.

Having read this teaching, it is important for you to accept the author of every family government by confessing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. God wants the best for your family and He can turn your home around for the better, if you let Him. Accepting Him will open you up to His help. If you are ready for this, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, pstfaithoyedepo@gmail.com; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).