Finding the Balance

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
 
I love the stories in Genesis. The people teach us in multi-faceted ways. We know who was lazy, who was shy, who was a bully and who was deceitful! Right in the first book of the Bible, we find examples of godly child-rearing. God often teaches us by giving us parallel truths. We need balance, and the Bible has it. There are times when we must “command” (Gen. 18:1919For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. (Genesis 18:19)). One incident may require the answer, “Mom says no to that; no argument.” A few hours later we may find ourselves having to “lead softly” (Gen. 33:1414Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. (Genesis 33:14)) with an hour-long gentle discussion about something else. Our children will resent it if we hand out nothing but commands, but may take advantage if it is all softness on our part in discipline. It takes continual looking up for guidance to the One whose ear is always open to our prayer.