By Pat Morris . . Retired:Columbus Public Schools Columbus, Ohio        Christian education must begin in the home. Parents teach by example. “Do as I say - NOT as I do.” is NOT Christian education. We must teach the Fruits of the Spirit (see Galations 5:22) as soon as “no” is understood by the child. The advice given in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”, is more necessary today than ever before. Parents must put the good of the child above their own wants and desires. The years necessary to train a child are few (15-20) compared to the years of heartache and grief they can cause if not trained in the way of the Lord. Christian parents can expect to be told they are “meanies” and that they are “hated” by their children, especially if the child is strong willed. However, when you ask any successful adult about his/her success, you will often find they attribute it to their strict upbringing, tempered with love.      We as parents, should remember that bringing a child up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” means establishing rules and guidelines in keeping with God’s laws. There should be consequences for disobedience. Children need to know that the Bible’s 10 Commandments are all relevant today and are to be obeyed.      All games, whether board games or sports games, have rules. These rules must be obeyed in order to have a fair outcome. Rules are necessary in our families also. There must also be a division of responsibilities. Each member is expected to do certain chores (as indicated by age and size).      There should be none of the “Super Mom can do it all” attitude. Children thrive when they realize they are helping make the household run smoother.

Denying a child an inappropriate “want” is an act of love and caring. I find it a sad commentary on the times, that kitchen range manufacturers have to include a device to anchor the back of the range to the floor. This indicates to me several things.   • It indicates that home food preparation has declined to the point that parents no longer feel the need to keep children away from the range because of the danger of getting burned.   • It also seems to indicate an unwillingness on the part of parents to discipline children for inappropriate behavior.      “No! You will get hurt.” said firmly (accompanied by a swat if necessary) should keep a child from dangerous pursuits. Manners, morals, respect and responsibility must be taught from “little up.” The best way to do this is to be a good example yourself Christian Education includes regular family Bible reading, study and prayer. Toddlers can be taught to pray as soon as they can speak. Saying, “God bless...” and having the little one supply the names of family and friends is an excellent way to begin. This helps make them aware of all the people in their world..      Teaching a child that there are times when we are quiet and times when we can romp and play helps prepare the child for classroom situations, whether it be pre-school, Sunday School, or kindergarten. Teaching a child to be responsible for his/her own actions helps them learn self-control. The “Me first” attitude is out. The “When it is my turn” attitude is in.   About the Author.      Pat Morris is a long time educator with much experience. In addition to raising 4 boys of her own, she retired from The Columbus Public School System.      Pat is the wife of Richard Morris, Pastor of The First Brethren Church at the corner of W. Third and Oregon Avenues.      Pat continues to be an “educator” through her work in the church with Vacation Bible School and “Little Women” (A program involving young girls in activities as well as church training). Matthew 18 1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.