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The Parent as Provider
Children are called dependents. The term aptly acknowledges the fact that children can’t make it on their own - even if they might think so now and then. Children depend on adults, usually parents, for their daily needs. That’s God’s plan. That was the plan God used when he place Jesus in the home of Mary and Joseph so they could provide for the daily needs of Jesus during his dependent years.
Providing daily bread
Christian parents recognize that providing for their children means more than putting food on the table. It also means more than providing clothes for their bodies and beds for sleeping.
In the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Martin Luther defines daily bread as "everything that belongs to the support and wants of the body." In listing some of those daily needs, Luther includes food, clothing, peace, health, discipline, honor and good friends. That’s a big order.
Most parents do a good job of providing food, clothing and shelter. Often, however, it takes more intentional planning and effort to provide some of the more intangible needs such as discipline, honor, good friends. No doubt, parents can add a number of items to this list that are needed on a daily basis to help children grow, "in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man" as Jesus did when he was a child.
Even as God provides daily needs for all people, including the wicked, God asks parents to provide his blessings to their children.
Appreciating daily bread
As parents provide for the daily "wants and needs" of their children, they have an excellent opportunity for nurturing and training. Here are some important habits and skills Christian parents can help their children learn and develop:
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receive daily bread with thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:20).
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develop Christian attitudes toward material possessions (Proverbs 30:7-9).
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be content with the basics of life (1 Timothy 6:8).
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share with those in need (Hebrews 13:16).
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be good stewards of earthly possessions.
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distinguish between "needs" and "wants", good nourishing food and junk food,
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appropriate and inappropriate clothing, etc. |
The lessons learned in childhood will help shape and direct the character of children as they grow into Christian maturity.
Helping Children toward independence
Parents recognize that at some point in life their children will become independent. Eventually they will provide for themselves and then for others. Helping children grow toward independence is a noble task for parents. Growing towards independence can begin early in the life of children.
Depending on the age and maturity of a child, here are some skills towards independence a child can learn in the home:
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be responsible for personal care and personal belongings. For each age level, parents need to set expectations, provide help and supervision, and frequently give encouragement.
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contribute to household maintenance by doing tasks and chores appropriate for the child’s age. This requires patience as parents teach the required skills.
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give help to other members of the family. Children, as will as parents, should recognize their need to contribute to the welfare of each of the other family members. This happens best when a spirit of goodwill exists within the family. At times suggestions and specific assignments are necessary.
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manage money and other possessions. This is especially true when children have allowances or independent incomes. Children need to learn about Christian stewardship.
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share with one another and with others outside the home. This hard to learn lesson becomes easier as Dad and Mom provide the model for sharing.
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learn the skills of earning, saving and providing for personal wants and needs. Parents will do well if they can help children find ways of earning money. Children discover the experience of being independent more quickly when they have had the joy and responsibilities of earning by working. |
Helping children learn the above skills requires that parents state and supervise their expectations of their children, motivate and commend their children frequently as they participate and achieve skills of independence.
Suggestions to parents
As a family, review and study the fourth petition in “Luther’s Small Catechism.” Look carefully at Luther’s list of “wants and needs.” For each item on the list, consider why Luther included it. Now consider additional wants and needs of your family in our current society.
Develop a daily or weekly task and assignment sheet for each member of the family. List the tasks required in maintaining the home. Children will be more ready to do their tasks if they’ve had a voice in developing the plan.
Something to think about
The worship of material possessions has, throughout history, enticed people away from the worship of the true God. Read and ponder 1 Timothy 6:6-11 and 1 John 2:15-17 which address the question of materialism. How can Christian parents help children learn appropriate attitudes regarding material things as blessings from their gracious heavenly Father? How is our Savior Jesus the model for a proper attitude toward possessions?
Prayer
Thank you, heavenly Father, for providing all of our daily wants and needs. Even as we provide for the needs and wants of our children, remind us always that all good things come from you. As we pray, “give us this day our daily bread,” lead us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. Thank you for providing for our greatest need - the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of your love in Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Family of God series is copyright © 1985 Northwestern Publishing House. and is published under the auspices of PACE (Partners Advancing Christian Education), Wisconsin Lutheran High School Conference, Milwaukee, WI. Reprinted by permission.
Northwestern Publishing House
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA 53226-3284
Phone: 1-800-662-6022
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