Despite single parent households not being the nuclear- husband, wife and child- design, it is still a family unit that needs to be governed God’s way. There are different circumstances that could bring about single parent homes but our focus is on God’s direction after its establishment.
I think about my own upbringing and can gratefully say that I lacked no spiritual instruction. Here’s why:
1. SHE GAVE ME BACK TO GOD.
Proverbs 22: 6 and Deuteronomy 6: 5 - 7 speak of teaching your children about the Word of God. My mom made a commitment to God to raise me in Him and for Him- she gave me back to Him. As a result of that I came to know the salvation of Jesus Christ at the age of 4. I knew that Jesus came and died for all the bad that I did and I wanted to say sorry for that and belong Him who was so good and kind. I trusted Him then and there.2. SHE TAUGHT ME TO SEEK WISDOM AND TO SPEAK KINDLY.
Proverbs 31:26 speaks of the virtuous woman, declaring that she opens her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness. My mother demonstrates great virtue in her character and it has sparked me to emulate it. As I grew older I began to understand that she has been living out King Solomon’s prayer – like him she asked for wisdom in ‘governing’ her own home. The kindness in her tongue is the work of the Lord, purifying and perfecting. A character trait I still admire and continually aspire to through God’s leadership.3. SHE PLACES GOD ABOVE ALL!
Like Joshua, my mother has been resolute that her household would serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15) I recall my teenage years, I love music and at that time I loved all music and that included heavy metal rock bands that is another story altogether – but my mom had two rules. The first was, if the songs were not glorifying God her money would not be spent on them. If I could pray on it and then still be okay with purchasing the music then I could have it but I had to pay for it myself and not with allowance from her. Talk about a difficult situation! It forced me to really begin to pray and listen for the voice of God and when I heard Him, yes or no, would I be obedient. The second rule was simple; if I knew my schoolwork as much as I knew every song lyric then I could purchase a new CD.These were hard lessons at the time but looking back on them I am beyond grateful and- God willing – I plan on my husband and I rearing our children the same way. She made God the center focus and deciding factor in all decisions, that is the example she set and that example I live by today.
Single parent homes that put God at the top-center (think pyramid) follow God’s commands of training up children and exhibit how to govern a holy household. Do not leave them out of family topics or services. They need your love and support too. Take time to talk to a single parent today,
ask them how things are at home. Be practical as well as prayerful, they will appreciate it.”
This was originally published in the fifth printed issue of Agape News in July 2015.
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