The Effiduase District Minister of The Church of Pentecost, Pastor Frank Oppong, has admonished Christian parents to be intentional about raising God-fearing children.
According to him, one of the highest duties that Christian parents have is the delightful privilege and lofty duty to teach their children the fear of the LORD.
Pastor Oppong gave this advice while exhorting congregants at the naming and dedication ceremony of the newborn child of the Bosuso District Minister, Pastor and Mrs. Gloria Agbesi, at the Bosuso District Central Assembly auditorium on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Speaking on the theme, “Command Your Children to Keep the Fear of the LORD,” with references from Genesis 18:17-19, Deuteronomy 4:10, Titus 2:11-13, and Colossians 1:27, Pastor Frank Oppong urged parents, especially Christians, to make it a priority to teach and command their children to follow the ways of the Lord, to act justly and righteously, so that the Lord may fulfill His promises to them.
He emphasised that to fear God is to live with a profound consciousness of God’s presence in one’s daily life. He further explained that fearing God means to detest evil, pride, arrogance, wickedness, corruption, and perverse speech.
He added that if parents raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, the children will grow up with the fear of the Lord, and they will not depart from it as they mature.
Pastor Oppong reiterated that education without Christ is fraught with challenges and therefore advised parents not to focus solely on their children’s academic needs, as some even hire additional tutors for their children.
He stated that leaving a legacy of academic achievement and wealth in the hands of a wayward child is a waste of energy, time, and resources, as “adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.”
The Effiduase District Minister expressed concern about the world’s increasing departure from biblical principles, hence, the need for Christian parents to be intentional about teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training their children in righteousness so that they may be fully equipped for every good work.
Using Joseph and Samuel as biblical examples, he cautioned parents not to be indifferent in teaching their children to revere God and fear Him, especially in a world that has witnessed a decline in moral values and little or no regard for godly matters.
“Make a concerted effort to instill discipline and the fear of the Lord in the lives of their children, who are gifts from God,” he said.
Pastor Oppong stated that fearing the Lord is connected to obedience to God’s will. Those who fear God, walk in His ways, and find delight in His commands are declared “blessed.” (Psalm 112:1, 115:13, 128:1) These blessings remain available to those who cultivate a fear of the Lord in their daily lives.
He mentioned that a God-fearing attitude is essential for those who seek meaningful knowledge and wisdom, saying: “When we fear God, His divine and unfathomable wisdom becomes accessible to us”.
He further stated that, accord ing the Bible, the fear of the Lord prolongs life, while the years of the wicked will be shortened.
“The fear of God is a fountain of life, turning a person away from the snares of death. And Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children, it will be a refuge,” he said.
The Effiduase District Minister also referred to the amazing promise made to those who fear the Lord in Psalm 25, that the friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes His covenant known to them.
To raise God-fearing children, Pastor Frank Oppong advised Christian parents to reposition their homes as houses of prayer and places of sound biblical teaching.
He encouraged them to speak of God’s glory and demonstrate it in their lives.
He emphasized the importance of dealing with sin firmly, swiftly, immediately, and according to biblical principles. God does not overlook sin or treat it lightly.
Pastor Oppong also urged parents to prioritize the worship of Almighty God, as it is through worship that children can learn to fear the Lord.
Additionally, he encouraged parents to model God-fearing lifestyles for their children.
The child-naming and dedication service was officiated by Pastor Stephen Okyere Acheampong (Effiduase Area Head) and attended by Pastor Francis Adawu Gameli (Effiduase Area Secretary), Pastor Sampson K. Boakye (Suhum Sector Travelling Secretary), and several ministers and their wives from the Effiduase Area.
Report by Elder Enoch Obeng Asare (Effiduase Area)
