As parents spend time with their children, they should also spend time with the things and people their children are exposed to. Parents should check the apps on their children’s phones to see what they are being exposed to.

When watching movies or cartoons, parents should watch with them to ensure that what they see poses no danger to them. Parents should check the websites they visit and ask them to invite friends over so they can get to know the kind of friends they associate with. They should visit their schools regularly to know the kind of people their teachers are. Parents should not see what their children are involved in as too childish or immature for them.

No matter who children spend their time with, they will be influenced, and parents must be there to ensure they are influenced correctly. Solomon, in today’s biblical reading, spoke to his son about the people he should interact with. He knew that even after raising him in the right way, other people and things could still negatively influence him.

There are things parents teach their children that the world will try to convince them to compromise. Today’s memory verse (1 Timothy 3:12) tells us not to ignore the enemy’s tricks. Parents must pay attention to everything their children pay attention to. It will not be wise to teach them and then leave them to the world to corrupt them.

Additionally, parents should engage their children in godly activities so they have something to channel their energy towards. They should encourage them to join the workforce of their local assemblies as well as Christian reading clubs and associations.

School activities and excursions are good, but parents must prioritize their children’s spiritual engagements. They should not neglect their children’s spiritual growth but rather teach them to establish a connection with the Holy Spirit so they can hear His voice telling them what to do and what not to do, even in their absence.

If you are a parent, have conversations with your children to know what is in their hearts and what influences them. Matthew 15:11 says it is what comes out of a person’s mouth that defiles them. Talk to them about anything and everything to hear what they will say so you can know what is in their hearts.

I pray that you do not fail in the upbringing of your children, in the name of Jesus.

This text is an excerpt from the book “The Open Heavens: A Daily Guide to Intimate Communion with God 2024” written by the Pastor Enoch Adedjare ADEBOYE.

We invite you to read the following article 3 to better understand why you need to “Spend Time With Children 3.“