THE PARENTAL MANDATE II: THE ATMOSPHERE OF GRATITUDE

THE INTENTIONAL PARENT II

MESSAGE BY: PASTOR E.A. ADEBOYE

BIBLE READING: PSALM 34:1–3

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JUDGES 11–13

HYMN: 18 – PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY

MEMORISE: “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” — (MATTHEW 7:17)

I. THE FRUIT OF INTENTIONALITY: GOOD TREES, GOOD FRUIT

As we conclude this vital series on March 17th, 2026, we must return to the foundational principle of biological and spiritual reproduction: Like begets like. In Matthew 7:17, our Lord Jesus Christ provides a botanical law that governs the home: a good tree cannot help but produce good fruit, and a corrupt tree will inevitably produce corrupt fruit.

My dear children, over the past two days, we have established that training a child is not an occasional hobby; it is a life-consuming, conscious assignment. A poorly trained child is a “nuisance” waiting to happen—a heartbreak to the parents and a burden to society. But a godly child is a trophy of grace, a model for the world, and a source of rest for the parents in their old age.

Training is not just about the “words” you speak; it is about the atmosphere you create. Today, we focus on the most vital element of a godly home atmosphere: Continuous Gratitude.

II. THE ARCHITECTURE OF A GRATITUDE-FILLED HOME

In Psalm 34:1, David makes a profound decree: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” David did not say he would praise God only when the economy of Israel was booming or when his enemies were defeated. He said “at all times.”

1. The Danger of the “Grumbling Home”

Many Christian homes in 2026 have become breeding grounds for negativity. Even among believers, you find parents who spend their evenings grumbling about the government, complaining about the cost of living, and speaking bitter words about their neighbors.

Raising children in such an environment is like pouring poison into the soil of a young plant. You are conditioning those children to develop a “victim mindset” and a negative outlook on life. When children grow up hearing constant complaints, they learn that God is not enough, that life is unfair, and that they are entitled to more than they have.

2. The Command of 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Word of God is clear: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Notice it says in everything, not necessarily for everything. Even when things are difficult, the intentional parent finds a reason to praise. When children see their parents praising God in the middle of a challenge, they learn that God is bigger than any problem. This is how you build “spiritual capacity” in your children.

III. THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC: A LESSON IN OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING

In Genesis 22, we see one of the most remarkable examples of intentional parenting in the Bible. When Abraham was taking Isaac to Mount Moriah, Isaac turned to his father and asked, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7).

Think about that question. How did Isaac know a lamb was missing? He knew because he had seen his father worship God countless times before. Abraham didn’t have to give Isaac a lecture on the “Theology of Sacrifice” that morning; Isaac had learnt through observation. He had seen the “art of worship” practiced as a lifestyle.

If you are a parent who never thanks God, who never honors God with your substance, and who never speaks of His goodness, do not be surprised when your children grow up to be ungodly and ungrateful. You cannot give what you do not have. Abraham gave Isaac a legacy of worship because Abraham was a worshipper.

IV. THE ENTITLEMENT PLAGUE OF 2026

One of the greatest crises in our modern society is the rise of ungrateful adults who possess a heavy sense of entitlement. This spirit of entitlement—the belief that the world owes you something—is the direct result of being raised in homes where gratitude was absent.

When parents are ungrateful, they raise children who are never satisfied. These children grow up to be adults who cannot maintain relationships, who are never content in their careers, and who eventually turn their ingratitude toward God.

The Key Point is simple yet piercing: Ungrateful parents usually raise ungrateful children.

V. PRAYER POINTS & REFLECTION

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, I thank You for the revelation of Your Word today. Thank You for the gift of my children and the opportunity to lead them.

Lord, I bless Your Name at all times! I thank You for Your provision, Your protection, and Your mercy over my household.

PRAYERS FOR CHARACTER & ATMOSPHERE:

Father, please forgive me for every time I have grumbled or complained in the presence of my children. Cleanse my home of every negative atmosphere.

Lord, put a coal of fire upon my lips. Let Your praise continually be in my mouth, that my children may learn the art of gratitude through me.

Father, help me to be a “Good Tree.” Let the fruit of my life—my words, my reactions, and my attitude—be such that my children can safely emulate.

PRAYERS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION:

Father, I decree that my children will not have a sense of entitlement. They will grow up with a heart of gratitude and a spirit of worship.

Lord, like Isaac, let my children recognize the importance of worship. Let them never go before You empty-handed, in Jesus’ Name.

INTERCESSION FOR LEADERS:

Father, continue to strengthen Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye. Let his mouth continually be filled with Your praise as he leads millions to Your light.

VI. THE HYMNAL REFLECTION: PRAISE TO THE LORD

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!

When you sing this hymn with your children, you are not just singing a song; you are making a confession of faith. You are telling your children that God is their “health and salvation.” Let the “Amen” sound from your home today and forever.