Question about a child who has become a theif

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by: Timothy
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Word Count: 1113
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2009 Time: 4:03 PM
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Q. My 12 year old son (almost 13) has a problem with stealing. We've done everything we can think of...grounding, spanking...ect...Any idea's on something we can do?

A. Yes, I know what can be done! From personal experience and learning too late myself what could be done. Let me share it with you.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. This is a passage that has put me under conviction many times. In order to train a child, first you must spend time with that child. Nine times out of ten this kid is looking for attention. He's getting it, although its negative attention, he's none the less receiving it. One of my children craved attention and bad behavior was the way he got what he wanted! I spent my time spanking him and grounding him but because I had my priorities on working and my business, that was the only attention I gave him. When I sold out to the Lord 100% and started trying to spend time with my children as I should, it was too late for this one because he had grown into manhood. Not that he's a bad kid, it's that my relationship with him is rocky because all he really received from me as a teenager was discipline.

Also, during this time, I wasn't faithful to Gods house, Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. This is a very important matter! Being at the church house (((((WITH))))) your family is the greatest gift you can give to your kids.

1. They are with the brethern who are (((((TRYING))))) to live for the Lord. James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. & James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
2. They are under the teaching of the Scriptures through the Holy Spirit! 2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
3. This is the best way of keeping them out of the "wrong crowd" and if some of the "wrong crowd" are there in church, the Holy Spirit will teach them too or put them under such conviction they will leave! 1st Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 5:22: Abstain from all appearance of evil. 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, as for what you have been forced to do in punishing your son, continue this very action in Love. Sometimes spanking and grounding are needful because you love him. Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. DO NOT EVER DO THIS OUT OF ANGER!!!!!!!! Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

It starts with you!

• Are you spending the time necessary to be with your son? Is your spouse? If something is filling that time that should be spent with your son, get rid of it and ask God to give you what you need in faith! What's more important, your son or your job?
• Are you keeping your son in church? Not just any church but a Bible Believing, Spirit filled Church! Not just on Sunday morning but every time the door opens for the assembly of the saints! Not only your son but your whole family!
• Are you praying for your son as you should? God the Father wants to hear your prayers and Jesus Christ died for us so that we can go directly to the Father with our petitions!
• Do you know what they are teaching your son in school? If it's bad, put a stop to it! Look for HUMANISM, LIBERALISM, SAFE SEX, Pushing HOMOSEXUALITY as a lifestyle, and the list goes on & on! If you can't stop it then Homeschool! It's your right as a parent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Are you keeping your child away from the wrong crowd?  Pray for that crowd but keep your son away from them! Get to know his friends! That may sound bias but it makes sense! This is where you may even have to worry about drugs and booze!
• Are you careful of what your child is watching on TV or listening to on the radio & media? Major problem there if you're not! Listen to some of the garbage theses kids are subjecting themselves to. Rap & Hard Rock music are number one on my hit list here at home! Just listen to the words and the attitude this type of noise projects! Most other secular music isn't much better though!
• ARE YOU SETTING THE PROPER EXAMPLE? Do you show the values that you're wanting your son to exhibit? 1st Thessalonians 5:22: Abstain from all appearance of evil.
• Get your priorities straight!
  1. God = Trust in no other to set things right! Trust ONLY HIS WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  2. Spouse = Cling to no other and lean on each other! Show no division between you two, especially in front of your children!
  3. Children = Trust no one else to train them! Have faith that if you do right, right will be done!
  4. Outward Family = Honor your own Father & Mother as an example to your children!

Ponder these questions and get back with me, will ya?

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