For Instruction in Righteousness: A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training

by Pam Forster

Doorposts

This 300+ page, spiralbound book can be used in a number of ways. It can be the foundation for unit studies on character traits. You might incorporate it into other unit studies, especially those dealing with character traits such as KONOS or Developing Godly Character in Children. Or, it might serve as a reference when you deal with character issues in your children.

The book is organized into eight main sections dealing with character defects or sins: Sins of a Proud Heart, Sins of Discontent, Sins of Unbelief, Sins of an Undisciplined Life, Sins of the Tongue, Sins of an Unloving Heart, Sins in Relationships, and Comparisons of the Obedient and the Disobedient. Under each section you find such topics as pride, hypocrisy, defiance, vanity, covetousness, fear, laziness, haste, gluttony, immodesty, gossip, flattery, poor manners, and bad friendships.

Under each topic you find Bible references with summarized descriptions. The next section suggests what happens or what should happen to persons committing the sin, usually followed by a suggestion for an object lesson. For example, according to Titus 3:9 we should avoid the contentious person, so the suggested object lesson is to isolate the arguing child or to disallow friendships with contentious children. These object lessons help you apply Biblical discipline related directly to Scripture.

The next section tells you to what each sin is likened [e.g., envy and jealousy are cruel as the grave (Song of Solomon 8:6)]. Following this is a list of Bible stories illustrating the consequences of the sin with the references and a brief summary. Finally, there is a list of Bible stories illustrating the opposite character trait plus verses to memorize (either KJV or NKJV).

At the beginning of the book is a great section on Biblical teaching techniques that discusses object lessons, parables, proverbs, stories, songs, history, memorials and celebrations, and covenants. The entire approach is solidly Biblical with a very literal perspective for the most part. You might easily overwhelm both your children and yourself if you try to tackle too much of this too quickly. It is a terrific resource for instituting Godly rather than arbitrary discipline, but use it with prayer and selectivity. [Valerie Thorpe/C.D.]