Daily Devotionals

Probably everyone has observed, at some time, a child imitating an adult—and it can be quite entertaining to watch. Research shows that young children and even infants around the globe actually over-imitate adults in performing a task, meaning that they observe and then copycat adults’ actions, even if the actions are unnecessary or useless.

One study, using containers with toys inside, demonstrated that even when children were instructed not to perform actions that were unnecessary in order to open the containers, they continued to copy what they had seen an adult do. If that included unnecessary steps, the kids would dutifully copy those steps.

God has given parents an incredible responsibility in raising children.

Kids depend on their parents, look up to them, and predictably mimic them. With such a powerful influence, parents need to seriously consider their role in their children’s lives.

Except for their relationship with God and their spouse, parents should make their children top priority. Kids need a constant supply of nurturing love, security, and consistency from their parents. They need to be guided into obedience, good values, and respect for authority. “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:17).

Yet it’s essential that discipline always be loving. “Do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

When parents raise kids in a faithful and conscientious manner, teaching them to love the Lord above all else, they can confidently grasp the wonderful promise: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Apply It:

How are you using the influence God has given you to bless the children in your life?

Dig Deeper:

2 Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; Colossians 3:21

Key Bible Texts

And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? (Deuteronomy 4:8 KJV)