Developing Integrity in the Next Generation

(This is a portion of an article written by Dr. Manuel Salazar, Lancaster Baptist School Administrator, in the May 2007 issue of The Baptist Voice, a publication of Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College, where Dr. Paul Chappell is Pastor and President.)

Prov. 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

The following are ten foundational attributes of character that every child should develop as found in God's Word;

1. Discernment/Wisdom - Prov. 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
2. Obedience - Eph. 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
3. Self-discipline - 1 Co 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
4. Orderliness/Neatness - 1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
5. Truthfulness - 3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
6. Meekness - Matt. 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
7. Gratefulness - 1 Thes. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
8. Attentiveness/Fervor - Rom. 12:11-12 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
9. Forgiveness - Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
10. Reverence - Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

The following principles are ways parents can help mold godly character in their children;

1. Ensure your children/teens are saved, baptized, and surrendered to Christ.
2. Have regular family devotions in your Christ-centered home.
3. Have your children attend a Sunday School class faithfully each week.
4. Be a "Three to Thrive" family (Sunday morning, Sunday evening, mid-week service).
5. Provide a distinctively Christian education for your children.