Raising Spiritually and Emotionally Intelligent ChildrenSample

Be Present

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27 (KJV)

It takes being emotionally available and spiritually sensitive to look well to the ways of our household. To look well requires giving attention to something. When we look well to the ways of our household, we are present, engaged, and sensitive to changes taking place in the life of everyone in our household. We must seek God’s help to LOOK WELL—to see beyond the surface when our children are troubled or hurting deep inside their hearts while smiling outside. We must LOOK WELL with spiritual eyes and use God’s Word of prophecy to make things look well for our children (2 Peter 1:19).

Parenting is hard work. That’s why “and eateth not the bread of idleness” in Proverbs 31:27 (KJV) is connected to LOOKING WELL to the ways of her household.

Eating the bread of idleness is a product of ignorance or unwillingness to do or invest in what it takes to establish God’s will in our homes. We must create time to look well to the ways of our household; that is, doing parenting and family life in accordance with God’s Word—seeking God first in parenting.

Reflection: What prevents you from being emotionally and spiritually available for your children? What changes can you make to enhance your capacity to look well to the ways of your household?