"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

- Proverbs 22:6

As new parents, you spend so much time researching and trying to learn all the things that are helpful or beneficial to your children. There are long days and sleepless nights. There are moments when you feel as though you are failing in every way, especially when things just don't seem to be going the way the latest self-help book tells you they should.

Don't give up! Keep up the good work! While searching for all the information to help you parent, don't forget that God gave us all the tools we needed to prepare our children for life and raise them to make better choices. It all starts at home with the family. As parents, we are commanded to take the time and train, teach and show our children the way of Christ.

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him."

- Psalm 127:3

The world would tell us that children are just an option or a burden. They are so much more. The Bible clearly states that children are gifts. What we do with that gift is up to us. I myself have failed many times in making sure that I remember what kind of gift they are. We see cute little faces and sweet smiles. However, as cute as they may be, they are our responsibility to teach, correct, and protect.

We have to set aside our own selfish desires for the easy way out and take time to truly invest in our children to stay involved and to be always aware of everything that is going on that they could be affected or influenced by.

When we keep asking why our world is going in the direction it is, it is clearly because man has taken everything that God has taught us and tried to change it and corrupted it to fit their own sinful, selfish desires. If we as parents don't take a stand and fight back, it will only get worse.

Stop buying the products, stop going to the theme parks, and stop letting a cell phone act as a pacifier for your children. Stop investing in things that undermine everything we as parents desire and labor to pour into and mold our children towards.

If we lock our doors to keep evil people out of our homes, why would we purchase potentially harmful things for our children, bring them into our homes, or take them places that adhere to a known agenda and not expect consequences?

To some, that may seem harsh, but let it be. Rather than be upset with me, be upset with those who see fit to hurt your children mentally, spiritually, and even physically.

Protect your children from all that you can and prepare them for the moments when you aren't there. Help them understand and be confident in their beliefs. Remind them to completely put their faith and trust in God.

Fathers, lead, guide, and protect your children. Mothers, love, nurture and teach your children. When we do this in our homes, we won't have to worry as much about what the world is throwing at us. Our children will be prepared to fight back alongside us. This is when the culture changes.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email ashley.carter@1819news.com.

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