5 Signs of a Functional Family: Parents Who Teach and Train

9/17/2019

Over the past few weeks we have been looking at signs of a functional family. We've looked at An Attitude of Service, Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife and Husbands Who Are Loving Leaders. These are all signs of functional families, however there is yet another—parents who are teaching and training their children.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

In order to clearly understand the full scope of this directive, there must be an understanding of the words nurture and admonition. The ancient Greeks used to say that nurture and admonition were the two wheels on which the chariot of child-rearing rolled. While it would be ludicrous to attempt to drive a chariot with only one wheel in operation, it is equally as futile to attempt to rear children without both nurture and admonition.

The word nurture is from the Greek word paideia which carries with it the meaning of training through disciplinary correction and chastening. Admonition is from the word nouthesia which has a meaning of warning, calling attention to, or rebuke.

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Nurture and Admonition

It is evident that there are two different elements to the successful training of children—nurture and admonition.

The Bible is clear that there is a time when the rod of correction should be used in the training of a child. The Bible is equally clear that there should be much attention given to training children through verbal communication of biblical facts, principles and morals. Godly parents must guard against going to either extreme. To put the emphasis on one aspect over another is to risk provoking children to wrath. Deuteronomy 6:7 says,

you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Every opportunity to teach children should be taken, look for the teachable moments.

To have a functional family, parents must be willing to put forth the effort to both teach and train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Come and Gather: Family Time with God

Introducing Come and Gather: Family Time with God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Gather is a lovely, 35-page, daily devotional centered around families enjoying time together with God and each other.

This 27-day devotional is divided into 3 parts:

Part One: Days 1-5, is written specifically with husbands and wives in mind. In this part of Gather, husbands and wives will explore 5 Signs of a Functional Family.

5 Signs of a Functional Family includes:

Part Two: Days 6-20, is written with the whole family in mind. It's A Walk Through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation we will discuss subjects like God's mercy and protection, being humble, dealing with difficulties, having a teachable spirit, dependence on God, and much more.

Part Three: Days 21-27, is a Men of God Character Study. We'll learn character traits that every Christin should strive to demonstrate in their life straight from characters in God's Word.

At the end of Gather, you'll find a place for your family to record specific prayer requests. I love being specific with my prayer request and seeing God answer in specific ways. Recording the answers, as well as the requests, is a great way to help your children see God working in your lives.

Join the movement today and download Gather for free today!

Five Signs of a Functional Family is an older book, however, the principles for strong, functional families, that Chapman uses from God's Word have not changed and because of that I find this book still very relevant today. Plus, you can pick up a hardback copy on Amazon for less than $3.00!

"Strong, functional families do exist today. But if you want to establish healthy patterns in your own family, you'll need to learn how to recognize and apply the qualities they share. Gary Chapman introduces them in Five Signs of a Functional Family." —goodreads

What parts of teaching and training do you find most challenging?

11 Comments

Michele Morin link

9/17/2019 10:14:05 am

The Deuteronomy 6 parenting model is challenging and it requires a daily showing up with all our faults and impatience, and yet day by day is the only way we can live our faith journey, and it's the only way our kids will live it, too.

Patsy Burnette link

9/17/2019 10:22:42 am

Michele, can you and I agree that we are glad we're not raising kiddos in this new social media generation. I honestly don't know how mamas do that! LOTS of teachable moments!!!

Maree Dee link

9/17/2019 12:45:59 pm

I agree too. These mamas have it hard with social media to compete with. I love your words on teachable moments. Maree

Barbara Harper link

9/17/2019 10:50:10 am

Thank you for this! It's so vital to keep that balance.

9/17/2019 11:14:53 am

Yes, Barbara, balance in just about everything is important, especially when rearing children! :)

Lois Flowers link

9/18/2019 04:22:15 pm

These days, with two teenage daughters, parenting is like an ongoing conversation. Nurture and admonition are still important, obviously, but the challenge for me is to listen more than I talk!

9/19/2019 07:47:25 am

You're right Lois, parenting IS an ongoing conversation. <— That's a great way to put it! And listening, with teens, is key! Great points! I love teens!!!

Lauren Renee Sparks link

9/18/2019 06:29:38 pm

Enjoying this series! laurensparks.net

9/19/2019 07:47:55 am

Thanks Lauren!

Lisa notes link

9/18/2019 09:05:08 pm

Teaching and training are sacred responsibilities. While I no longer have kids at home, that responsibility as their mother still remains, just in different forms now. :)

9/19/2019 07:50:33 am

It is different now, Lisa. Different in a good way! I love the relationship I have with my adult kiddos!!! That relationship, I believe, was born through consistency in the teaching and training that was part of our home during their formative years.

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