14 Growing in Stature

Growing in Stature

Finally, a few words about growing in stature. As parents, we are responsible for the physical health of our children right now, as well as being responsible for training them in good habits that will serve to keep them in good health in the years ahead. 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us that bodily training is of some value - it is not the highest value since its benefits do not extend into eternity, but nevertheless it is of value for all of our life on earth.

Here again our example as parents is important. If we take good care of our bodies, exercising regularly and eating the most nutritious diet our income allows, if we control ourselves at parties and fight the normal pattern of gaining weight as we age, our children will learn from us and be more likely to follow the same pattern. If instead we set a bad example, our children are likely to follow that also. But we can also encourage our children by participating in physical activities with them, helping them to develop interests in exercise, attending their games at athletic matches if they participate in sports, and encouraging them to eat well, sleep sufficient hours, and follow good hygiene. So we have seen that we as parents have an important impact on the growth of our children. We have treated these issues of growth from the most important to the least. Of most importance is their growth in wisdom and in favor with God. This must be our first priority. But just as Jesus grew in favor with men, so should our children, so that they might contribute in numerous ways to the betterment of their society, as well as being more effective witnesses for Christ. Finally, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and good physical health will make us better able to serve Christ energetically. So we as parents must do our best to help our children grow in stature, through good habits of care of their physical bodies.

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Copyright © 2003, Thomas C. Pinckney. We learned much about Christian marriage - particularly the functional and relational aspects of maleness and femaleness - from Steve and Erica Lawry of Parakaleo Ministries, Stanford, CA. Ray Stedman’s teaching on this passage, found at www.pbc.org <http://www.pbc.org/>, has also influenced us strongly. The teaching on the relationship between Jesus and God the Father is taken directly from Ray’s sermon on this passage. This data file is the sole property of Thomas C. Pinckney. Please feel free to copy it, but only in its entirety for circulation freely without charge. All copies of this data file must contain the above copyright notice. This data file in its original or modified form may not be copied for resale or incorporated in any commercial publications, or other products offered for sale, without the written permission of Thomas C. Pinckney, tpinckney@williams.edu <mailto:tpinckney@williams.edu>, c/o Community Bible Church, 160 Bridges Rd, Williamstown, Mark 01267.