When your kids are in school, it can seem like forever until they mature and become self-sufficient. This phase of life really goes by too fast, as any parent of grown children would attest to!
These are the most important years for Christian parents to instil in their children important values, convictions, and virtues. One of the most amazing privileges of being a parent is this. However, it can also seem like a terrifying obligation, particularly in a society where nearly all values and beliefs are accepted—aside from Christian ones.
Thankfully, you don’t have to work alone or without assistance. God, in his goodness, has abundantly supplied guidelines in his Word for parenting and bringing up children. The Bible also has a ton of examples of actual families. From these, we may observe both successful and unsuccessful parenting styles!
You may be sure that God will give you the grace, tolerance, and discernment you require to care for the kids he has given you. We recognize that God’s ideal world—which includes marriage and family life—has been destroyed by sin. We are aware that some parents struggle with things like raising a child with special needs or being a single parent.
Regardless of your circumstances, we have faith that God’s grace will enable you to carry out your mission of nurturing a godly young generation who love Him with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27).
The primary purpose of Christian parents should be to lead their children to a saving faith in Christ and set them on a path of development, bringing them to the full measure of his glory (Eph 4:13).
Parenthood is one of God’s most significant callings. Children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5). Only Jesus reached perfection; thus, God does not expect parents to be perfect. He encourages us to look to Christ, the forerunner and perfecter of our faith, and to walk in His footsteps as best we can, seeking His guidance (Heb 12:2).
Several scriptures exhort parents to educate and train their children while also warning them about the consequences of not doing so (for example, Proverbs 1:8-9 and 29:15, 17; Ephesians 6:4). Children raised with loving discipline bring their parents joy and peace. The Bible even suggests that parents who do not discipline their children hate them (Prov 13:24).
As Hebrews 12:11 states, disciplining your kids can be difficult, but it eventually “produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.”
One of the most frequently referenced Bible verse concerning child rearing is Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and they will not deviate even when they grow old.”
While children must make their own decision to follow Christ (Romans 10:8-11), parents can help by sharing the gospel with them and demonstrating a Christian lifestyle.
Timothy’s faith is portrayed by Paul as being developed from childhood through Scripture-based teaching, which “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3).
A consistent, age-appropriate Bible study with your children can help them develop strong doctrine. The use of “teachable moments” can help children strengthen their biblical knowledge and Christian character.
Families can also gather to pray, show hospitality, and attend church. Some parents will choose Christian schools to support their children’s education as they grow into godly young people.
In any partnership, communication is essential. From a young age, teach your kids to be honest with you. There may come a time when your kids feel like you’re the last person they want to talk to. However, they still require your support, guidance, and encouragement.
Keep the channels of communication open by:
- Paying attention to what your kids are saying without interrupting
- Making precise statements using nonverbal cues including tone of voice, eye contact, and gestures (e.g., nodding to demonstrate understanding)
- Controlling your emotions: Don’t let anything get to you; just stay cool and collected. Instead of jumping to judgments, make an effort to maintain an open mind and ask questions to clarify any confusion you may have.
You and your children were born at the perfect time with a divine purpose. So, raise godly children, world changers who bear the likeness of Christ and spread His light everywhere.
Shalom!
