Christian parents are often reminded of Proverbs 22:6, which says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (NLT). This is a wonderful biblical truth, and we all affirm it with a resounding “yes and amen!”
However, parents need to ask the question, how do I live this out on a day-to-day basis? How do I raise my children so that they truly love Jesus? This is one of the primary responsibilities of Christian parents, so getting it right is very important! As Christian parents, we are called not just to provide physical bread, which fills the stomachs of our children for a period of time, but more so the Bread of Heaven, which nourishes our children forever and ever.
There are three core disciplines to keep in mind as you strive to raise God-honoring children. First, you are called to be a role model. Second, you must invite your child to participate in the faith. Third, you must foster a consistent spiritual life. Let’s break these three down in greater detail.
Be a Role Model
My father is a pastor. I remember waking up on Sunday mornings to see him studying his Bible, preparing his sermon notes, and praying over the message that he would deliver to the people of God. He took his role as pastor seriously, wanting to bring God glory and encourage God’s people. When I saw him doing this, I knew he truly believed what he was preaching.
Children appreciate authenticity. They don’t want their parents preaching something the parent isn’t practicing themselves. However, when they see the sincerity of your faith, it will help them understand you’re not just teaching them because you’re trying to get them to behave or have good morals, you’re teaching them because you yourself are convinced that Jesus is Lord and worthy of worship. You are convinced that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and worthy of following. Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (NLT). As parents, you should be imitating Christ, so that your children can imitate you—and in following your lead, they learn for themselves what it means to love Jesus and serve Him.
Invite Your Children to Participate in the Faith
Asking your child to participate empowers them. Getting them actively involved in ministry from a young age helps make this happen. This can look like church youth groups, choir, mission trips, and Bible studies. You can also encourage them to pray over the family meal before dinner, or invite them to read Bible passages at your family devotionals. Children need to learn how to live their faith, not just hear about faith. The more they live it for themselves, the more it becomes a part of their own identity, which will shape their heart in love toward Christ.
Be Consistent in Your Spiritual Practices
Children crave consistency. It gives them a sense of comfort and order in a world that is often so hectic and out of control. This is why bedtime routines are so important. Brush teeth, put on pajamas, read a book…it makes the bedtime process much smoother. Our spiritual lives need these consistent rhythms, too. Set aside daily times for family devotionals and prayers. And of course, prioritize church attendance on Sunday mornings. Let the spiritual life of the family be such a consistent pattern that your children see spirituality and their walk with the Lord as the very fabric that weaves their lives together.
There is a basic life concept worth considering: If you want to be good at piano, you have to play every day for an hour. If you want to be good at sports, you have to exercise and practice every day. If you want to gain knowledge in a certain field, you have to read books on the topic. Likewise, if you want your children to learn how to love Jesus, they need to have their eyes fixed on Him every day. Just as in baptism, when we’re immersed in water, as we raise our children, we want to immerse them in spiritual practices daily.
A Prayer for Raising Godly Children
Almighty God, thank You for the dear children You have entrusted into our care. Help us to shepherd them into a relationship with the ultimate Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Grant us wisdom in how to display Christ to our children, help us to have strength and endurance to do this daily, and let Your Holy Spirit work in the hearts of our children, for ultimately it is only Your sovereign grace that will deliver our children into the Kingdom of Light. God, You are good, and we trust You. Bless our homes, our hearts, and especially our children. In Jesus’ name, amen.
