As you “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24), think of your children, grandchildren, other children in your family and those of your friends.
First and last, we must be an example, role model, and mentor like Christ (John 13:15).
Teach them:
Right from wrong (Heb. 5:14). Train their conscience in accordance with God’s word and teach them the value of a clean conscience (I Pet. 3:16, I Tim. 1:5).
Discipline and self-control, and as you do let your yes be yes and your no be no (Matt. 5:37). There are consequences to bad decisions and they will reap what they sow (Gal. 6:7). Consequences for bad behavior can be good thing to help them handle life and make the right
spiritual decisions (Heb. 12:11). To be humble (Gal. 6:3) and thankful (Col. 3:15). The value of serving others (Phil 2:3,4). Not to be easily discouraged but to get back up and try again (Prov 24:16). Failures are inevitable in life (James 2:2), that we all face problems and adversity (Eccles. 9:11). Being corrected and constructively criticized is critical to learning and growth (Prov. 9:9, 19:20). To be responsible and work hard (Prov. 14:23). They should be honest, admit mistakes and not blame others, to avoid making excuses, and to
apologize when they have wronged anyone.
Train them in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6).
Recognize the good they do and encourage them. Correct them when they are out of line.
Be the person that they should be. All of this is extremely difficult to teach if you are not striving to live up to these principles yourself. Be honest and let them know you are imperfect but are working on it – and then work on it!
Be one who is practicing love and good works. Be one who is concerned for the saints, concerned for the lost, showing love and doing good works. Seek to lead children to salvation and stir them up to love and good works.
For the elders, Gary Woodall