I often find myself thinking about Jochebed, Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Eunice, and Lois, and the mothers (whose names we don't know) of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They all achieved their educational goals. They raised men who contributed immensely to the world. What was their secret? Is there a "recipe" we can follow too?

In fact, we have even more advantages. Jochebed, for example, didn't have access to any written materials, as her son Moses was the first writer of the Bible. Her resource was teaching through spoken word, a gift God gave to mothers.

We have practically all of Daniel's prophecies already fulfilled (only Jesus' return is yet to come), Jesus has already come to this world... so many advantages, so many teachings in our favor!

With all the power of heaven at our disposal, we can also achieve that same success so that our children not only experience joy in this life, but, above all, have eternal life with Jesus.

We need God's power through the Holy Spirit every day. Besides asking for God's power, we need to seek the Lord's will like hidden treasures. We need to STUDY the materials left through the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy. Of course, the enemy will do everything to prevent us from reading, but we must persevere in our study. Study as if studying for college. And what a college! The raising of children.

When my husband was in the PhD program at Andrews, there was a great incentive (including financial) for wives to "take advantage" and study as well. So I always heard the question: "What about you? Aren't you going to study too?" My thoughts then raced to all my books, my intense personal studies focused on my children's education; I remembered "Child Guidance" by my bedside. I looked at my two little ones, smiled, pointed to them, and replied "jokingly": "While my husband is doing one PhD, I'm doing two."

I really meant exactly that! Look, I'm not against women pursuing higher education, but I believe there's a time for everything. And when children are young, it will be very difficult to balance all responsibilities. Something will suffer, and usually it's the home. Furthermore, we don't have, and shouldn't, spend all day in books, but we should find a way to educate ourselves in God's will. It's not just about what not to do... but what to do. And one of our duties as parents is to seek knowledge through the study of God's will.

One of my current study books is "Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students." I was very impressed with the chapter that deals with Bible study, especially with the results of Bible study (p. 372) in our lives and in the lives of our children. Here is a brief summary.

Results of Bible Study:

1. Wisely guides us in the affairs of this life, as well as helping the soul ascend the ladder that leads to Heaven.

2. Gives the true inquirer advanced mental exercise;

3. The faculties are enriched.

4. Strengthens and disciplines the mind.

5. The self is humbled, while God and His truth are exalted.

6. Majestic and eternal scenes are contemplated.

7. Shows Jesus, the Son of God, coming to our world and engaging in the mysterious conflict that defeated the powers of darkness.

8. Elevates, purifies, and ennobles us.

9. Strengthens the spirit and intellect, enabling one to battle for truth and righteousness.

10. Teaches that every sin that assails us must be laid aside.

11. Teaches us to maintain integrity of character, to be trustworthy, and not to use deception.

12. It teaches that it is never necessary to transgress God's law to achieve a desired goal, even if obedience involves sacrifice.

13. It teaches that Heaven's blessing will not rest upon us if we depart from the path of righteousness.

14. It shows the weakness, infirmity, and powerlessness to promote one's own righteousness.

Some special promises for students (our children) who study the Bible – Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 374

1. They will receive the holy principles of truth in their hearts and will work with increasing energy.

2. They will attain the highest possible standard.

3. From them will flow living streams to benefit and refresh others.

4. They will grow continually in knowledge and discernment.

5. Their intellect will grasp lofty subjects and lay hold of the truth of eternal realities.

6. Their motives for action will be righteous.

7. They will use the talent of their influence to help others more perfectly understand the responsibilities given to them by God.

8. Their heart will be a perennial source of joy as they see the success attending their efforts to communicate to others the blessings they have received.

9. The talent of knowledge, sanctified and put to use in the Master's service, will never be lost.

Isn't this exactly what you desire for your children? I wish and pray that the Lord fulfills each of these items in the lives of mine. Do you understand now why the enemy doesn't want us seeking the Holy Spirit and studying the Bible? The results will be impressive and unbeatable! But pay attention, the Lord's promises are conditional. Do your part, for the Lord's part is already guaranteed!

By Angélica Gomide

Photo Credit: Freepik

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