Parenting is a God-given blessing that will sanctify you. Whether you are wanting to be a parent, are about to become a parent, or have been a parent for years, knowing the core reason God created us to raise children can help this hard and challenging adventure feel very worthwhile.

The Bible and Parenting

Genesis 18:19 says, “For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice.”

One of the first statements about parenting from God is to Abraham; at this point, Abraham did not even have a child yet but was promised by God he would have one. And that one child would multiply into many nations. The most important thing that God told Abraham to do is to bring the children up in the way of the Lord, to teach them to be righteous and just.

Practical Parenting

Practically what does it mean to bring children up in the Lord? In today’s southern United States culture, people think it is to bring your children to church at least once a month and to pray before meals. These things are not bad, but they are not what God is asking us to do; there is so much more!

The parents have the sole responsibility for the child’s spiritual, mental, physical, and social understanding. As a culture, we need to stop letting others have that responsibility and embrace it ourselves, especially the spiritual. To lead our children to holiness, we need to first be pursuing holiness ourselves. If we, as parents, are not living for God, the children will see that and not follow our teachings but our actions. 

Please hear me, though; in no way will you be a perfect parent, and in no way will you have your life all ”figured out.” But as long as you are chasing after the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and intentionally teaching the child/children to do the same, you will do well.

Applications

Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1. Pray about and meditate if your life is worth imitating. Are there things you are permitting in your life that are not helpful, things that are lawful but do not build up? As you raise your children, do you want them to become an adult like you? If your answer is no, then there needs to be an adjustment or actions taken. If you need help knowing how to do that, feel free to contact our staff and counselors, who would love to help walk through this with you.