My wife & I had a conversation just last night about our daughter's obedience. We wondered if she obeys because her heart compels her to or simply because she knows she needs to do what's right to stay out of trouble. That brings up some questions in my mind.
- How do I evaluate that?
- What do I do once I think I know the answer to that - especially if it's the latter?
My initial thoughts are that it is out of fear that our children obey, at first. But, then, through strong, healthy relationships with their parents they develop a genuine love which is what compels them to obedience.
Then my question becomes, how do we as parents develop those relationships & these answers came basically out of thin air, but seem right to me.
- Prayer - Only the Holy Spirit can change hearts.
- Conversations - Talking to them (not in the heat of the moment) about obedience being connected with love. Jesus said that if we love him we will follow his commands. It's that simple.
- Live It Out - Be visibly obedient to God & talk to them about it.
I'm sure there are a lot of other ideas, but that's what popped in my head during my quick reflection on the topic. And, as fate (not really) would have it, I came across some similar posts at
Raising Olives.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic of capturing your child's heart.
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