A Joyful Guide to Raising Godly Children
I think every parent agrees that some seasons of parenting are harder than others. And those seasons are a true test in our Christian parenting journey of how we handle ourselves when parenting gets hard. As believers, our job in raising Godly children is to share our faith journey of how we’ve come to know Jesus, teach them the ways of the Lord, and be a good example.
So, what does the Bible say about parenting? As a fellow believer, navigating Christian motherhood, I want to share what I have found encouraging, not only by experience but also scripturally in the Word.
Before we look at how we guide and direct our children, I think it’s important to remember what we’re trying to guide them away from. We see the perfect description in 2 Timothy 3:2-4, “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. (NIV)”
When I read this verse, it reminds me of everything the world has become and everything our kids will be exposed to. It’s awful and heartbreaking, but thankfully, God gives us hope of eternity beyond these things.
Ephesians 6:1 states, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (NIV)”
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What the Bible says we should do to instruct our kids in the ways of the Lord
Train and Instruct Your Children
Our job as parents is to train our children to follow the Lord and his teachings. We are to direct them in ways that are noble and of good character. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (NIV)”
Just as we have learned how to be obedient to our heavenly father, when raising Godly kids, we are to teach our children how to be obedient to us, their parents. Colossians 3:20 “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (NIV)” Our job is to teach them that we have their best interest in mind and that we desire for them to make good choices. But first, we have to teach them how to make good choices through a desire to be obedient. Make no mistake, this isn’t always easy. Some children have an innate desire to please their parents, while others simply don’t care.
As our children get older, we should begin to see a change in their hearts and in their spirit. We should see the fruits of our labor begin to take shape, as 2 Timothy 3:15 says, “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. (NLT)”
Just as we are beginning to teach our children to trust us, we must also be teaching our children to have faith and trust in the Lord. There is a healthy fear, or reverence, that our children should start to develop towards us as their parents. Now, when I say “fear”, I obviously do not mean they should be scared of us. But our children should understand that we are responsible for teaching them discipline and how to make better choices when things go badly.
Deuteronomy 6:2 says, “… and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. (NLT)” God makes big promises, and He keeps them. We are to follow His teachings and enjoy the life he desires for us to live.
Another great verse that shares this same sentiment is Psalms 34:11-14, which says, “Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (NLT)” God desires good things for us, just as we desire good things for our children. When raising Godly children, it’s our job to teach our children to desire those same good things.
One of the greatest challenges parents face is the worldly pressures placed on our children. Technology has magnified this in so many ways! We are to be set apart from those of the world, and live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will. (NIV)” We still are to teach our children not to be of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Teach Scripture to Your Children
Without scripture, the world can feel dark. But, John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (NIV)” At the end of the day, this is the best news to have in our hearts. We do our best, but God has the rest because he has already won.
Our job as Christian parents is to teach our children the scriptures. They are the foundation of our faith and understanding of who Jesus is. Without them, our kids will question everything. We as Christian parents need to begin teaching the background of scripture so our kids understand the scriptures for what they represent, and don’t just see the Bible as a book.
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate scripture memorization for your kids, you should check out these colorful scripture cards for kids. They’re life verses that are easy to memorize and remind our kids of their value, worth, and call in Jesus.
Pray with and for your children
I consider it one of my greatest blessings as a mom to be able to pray for, over, and with my children. Even when things get busy and crazy, I try my best to pray for them throughout the day, in both the big and small things. I pray over them as they sleep and rest their sweet faces. And I love nothing more than to pray with my kids when things get hard, frustrating, or sad. I enjoy spending that time with them close to the Lord.
Teaching your kids to pray is a huge part of raising Godly children, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. It isn’t a formal conversation. I desire for my children to see God as their heavenly Father. They need to see Him as a dad- someone they trust and can run to when things are hard. I want them to know they can talk to God the same way they talk to my husband. God wants to spend that precious time with them, and they learn that from us, their parents.
If your kids are old enough, I recommend having them learn to keep a prayer journal. This is a great way for kids to see how God has answered their prayers. Sometimes, even as adults, it’s easy to pray for something, have God answer it, and completely forget to give God the glory.
Gently Discipline Your Children
When we talk about the word discipline, I think many people see the word with a negative connotation. But the truth is, discipline is good- it’s a source of refinement. Just as a diamond is refined to become the beautiful treasure it is, our children need refinement to become the people God created them to be.
They need to learn how to take situations and run them through biblical truths to understand what is correct. We as parents come alongside our children in these moments and offer (or sometimes give) advice and consequences as they work through these situations. In moments where you question whether you should interject your thoughts, remember this from Proverbs 23:13, “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.” We are called to show them love through discipline as a way to impart wisdom.
Share the Good News with your Children
As Christian parents, we want to raise spiritually minded children. So what does that look like? First, it means sharing the good news with them from a very young age. Psalm 78:5-7 states, “He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. (NIV)”
This section of scripture tells us that the earlier we can begin sharing Jesus with our children, the longer they have to know and understand who Jesus is.
We are called to lead lives that point our kids to Jesus. Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
I want to share some of the books we have loved reading and working through with our kids. The first is “The Case for Christ for Kids“. This book will open the door to begin having conversations with your kids about owning their faith. The second is “The Case for Christ Devotions for Kids“. This book will help you talk with your kids daily about who Jesus is and how he wants a place in their lives. The last book I’ll recommend is geared towards kids a little older. “How Can I Be Sure What’s Right and Wrong?” is a book that will help your kids learn to question things through the lens of scripture. Kids will learn to decipher right and wrong with the cross in mind.
Teach your children to receive blessings
I love what Matthew 7:11 says, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” We are to give good things to our children. This is by no means telling us to buy or give them everything they want and ask for. That isn’t how life works. But, it is calling us to show them love and bless them with good gifts that nurture and develop their character.
God shows up in so many ways, and oftentimes we miss it the first time. We need to teach our children to watch for the Spirit to be on the move and working in their lives. It is then that we can teach them to see and experience the goodness of the Lord and the things he desires for his children.
Raising spiritually minded kids means teaching them to always view things through the lens of scripture. This is also true for seeing and receiving blessings from the Lord, but also from those around them.
Have open communication with honesty
As a mom, I think this is the one I have probably struggled with the most. It’s hard to know the boundary line of when to share things with our kids. I don’t want to share things before they fully understand something, yet at the same time, there are so many things that I want to share with them before they hear from others, so they know the truth.
Having a relationship with open communication is essential in parenting. Your kids should know they can come to you and ask questions or share concerns. Be the open book they need so they can learn the truth from you. Go to scripture when big discussions come, so they can rest assured that you’re sharing what the Lord says about a topic rather than it being “mom’s opinion”.
Teach your children how to worship
I LOVE being in worship with my kids. It brings my heart so much joy to watch them worship our Lord and creator. I love watching them sing along with the music and give glory to God. And just as much, I love watching my children serve others and show worship in that way.
I feel like “Church” has made music and singing the ultimate way of worshipping the Lord, and although it is important and it’s one of my favorite things, not everyone connects to God in the same way. Worship can be anything pleasing to the Lord. Be reminded of this as you’re teaching your kids “how” to worship. Show them different ways they can worship God.
Be a good Christian example for your children
Nothing can break your witness more than not acting in a way pleasing to the Lord and according to His word. Sin is sin, and everyone does it. BUT, the difference as a believer is knowing when you’re wrong and being willing to repent- even to your kids. I would say second to God and your spouse, apologizing to your kids when you’ve messed up is one of the most important relationships you should focus on getting right.
Titus 2:7-8 says, “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching cannot be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (NLT)” We as parents have been given a charge to live our lives with integrity. We need to be examples of living and walking according to biblical teaching. We are raising tiny disciples, and nothing is more important than showing them Jesus.
Biblical parenting isn’t easy. In a world full of sinners, it’s easy to lose our way. Thankfully, God has given us a guidebook to help us get this right. Using God’s word is our best chance of raising Godly children. My prayer is that using these Christian parenting tips will help direct you in some ways you can change or improve the way you parent your children. I can assure you, I get things wrong every day. Unfortunately, that’s the life of a sinner. But by grace, I can be made pure again, and I’m given another shot to show my kids who God is.
Thank you, Jesus, for that!
Parenting Tips!
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The Most Helpful Mom Planners (and a Christian version!)
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