I posted on my Facebook this morning from church…

What is the acronym SHEPHERD stands for?

I was reading the church bulletin and was attracted to a writing by Pastor Kwan on “Shepherding the Heart of a Child”. In it, he shared 8 valuable lessons, each represented by an alphabet in the word SHEPHERD.

What is the acronym “Shepherd” stands for?

I also believe these lessons are applicable to parents who desire to see their children growing up in the ways of the Lord. As such I am going to extract the 8 lessons from the writing in the bulletin and share them on my blog.

Seek the Lord in much prayer for each child. As we pray for them earnestly, the Lord will surely give us wisdom and insights to their spiritual needs. It is also important to teach our children to pray. It is often through their prayers that we get to understand how they feel and perceive spiritual truths. (Ephesians 6:18)

Help our children to understand the warnings given in God’s Word. Warning prevents a child from hurting himself and hurting others. It is always important to tell the child the consequences of wilfully disobeying God’s instructions. God’s warning given authoritatively will influence their attitudes and their behaviour for His glory. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Encourage our children by teaching them the promises of God. We need to communicate hope and courage through the many promises found in the Bible. Remember that our children do have many peer measures and emotional struggles in our materialistic society. They need God’s promises to fight against worldly ambition and inferiority complex. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)

Plead with them to act wisely and responsibly. This kind of approach is reserved for special cases and occasions. (Proverbs 23:26)

Hear intently a child’s complaints or questions. Do not ignore them when they express their frustrations and ask questions. This is perhaps a window of opportunity that God has given to us to lead them to trust in God and to search deeper into God’s Word.

Express your concern by correcting them. Correcting will indeed help our children to understand God’s standards. It teaches our children to assess their own behaviour and conduct against God’s given standards. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Rebuke a child when he has sinned against God. It is best done in private and with a loving heart. (Proverbs 27:5)

Devote much time in the study and meditation of God’s Word. This is the only way to be an effective teacher or parent. (Psalm 119:98-100)

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Contents extracted from Church Bulletin Vol 43 #45, 14 April 2013.