F is for Fruit

By Trina Titus Lozano

I once heard a wise man sum up his parenting philosophy in this one statement, “Give your kids everything they need and half of what they blocks

want.” It is so easy to get caught up in keeping our kids happy and giving them everything that they want, when actually that is encouraging their sinful nature.

Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Verses 20 and 21 describe the acts of the sinful nature that are obvious. Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. This list would for sure cause any parent great embarrassment if it was the reputation of our children. Not to mention our disappointment because those who live like this wouldn’t inherit the Kingdom of God.

As Christian moms our greatest desire is that our children would inherit the Kingdom of God. Well I promise you moms there are many times that we will have to say NO to what our kids want in order to help direct them to the Lord.

At each age you will want to watch for some issues that you will, no doubt, encounter. For example:

Fits of Rage: One’s and two’s – If you don’t discipline this very firmly, then your child will throw fits for many years.

Selfish Ambition: 2 years to adult – “MINE, it’s mine, and I don’t want to share.”

Envy: 2 years to adult – “They have more toys than me.” “They have an x-box and I want one.” “I want a cell phone.” “I want a Mac laptop.” “I want a car when I’m sixteen.” Always wanting what someone else has.

Hatred, Discord, Jealousy: 2 years to adult – This will often times be revealed through sibling rivalry…don’t allow it! Also, never allow the word “hate” to be used in your home. Saying the word instantly encourages hatred.

Dissensions & Factions: Be aware of “cat fights” between girls K-12th grade.

Sexual Immorality, Impurity, Debauchery, Drunkenness, Orgies, and the like:
Teenagers need lots of supervision! These temptations are great. Popularity, parties and relationships are never an excuse for these sins. Your kids can have just as much fun being involved in their church. Plus, their relationships will be healthier if they are pure.

Witchcraft: This will sneak up on you and your young kiddos in the form of toys, books and movies. Later it will replace religion as your teen begins to explore the supernatural. Teach them what is evil and never allow any form of witchcraft in their lives. Teach them about the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.

Now, let’s look at the good fruit in Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

We should strive to create an environment that will cultivate the good fruit in our own lives and in the life of our kids. Take a personal inventory, where do you see your kids struggling? Where should you say “no” more? Take the time to see what kind of fruit is in your family’s fruit basket.