Have you had these kinds of conversations with your friends as I have about the challenges we face raising Christian kids in a non-Christian world. Trying to raise godly kids can feel impossible but stay strong because it is possible. Everywhere we turn in our culture, on television, in movies, and yes now through sexual education in elementary schools, our kids are being told to embrace and accept the abnormal and unbiblical ways as simply a matter of personal choice. It’s a challenging world we live in raising our kids.
Raising children in today’s world, where moral and spiritual values often seem to be in decline, can feel overwhelming in many ways for Christian parents. The social norms and cultural pressures frequently clash with biblical teachings, making it challenging to nurture a child’s faith. However, it is possible to raise godly children in an ungodly world. With a firm foundation in Scripture, intentional parenting, and reliance on God’s guidance, you can instill in your children the values and faith they need to thrive spiritually.
Here are three key actionable items to help you in this vital task.
- Build a Strong Foundation in God’s Word
To raise children who love and follow Jesus, it’s essential to build a strong foundation in God’s Word. The Bible should be a central part of your family’s daily life, guiding your decisions, conversations, and actions.
Key Scripture: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
- Daily Family Devotions: Set aside time each day for family devotions. Read a passage from the Bible, discuss its meaning, and pray together. This practice not only teaches your children about God’s Word but also models the importance of spending time with God.
- Scripture Memorization: Encourage your children to memorize Bible verses. Start with simple, foundational scriptures like John 3:16 or Psalm 23:1. Make it fun with games, songs, and rewards. Memorizing Scripture helps children internalize God’s truths, which will guide them throughout their lives.
- Biblical Discussions: Integrate biblical principles into everyday conversations. When discussing challenges or moral decisions, refer to the Bible for guidance. This helps children see the relevance of God’s Word in every aspect of life.
- Model a Christ-Centered Life
Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. Therefore, modeling a Christ-centered life is crucial. Your actions, attitudes, and lifestyle should reflect your faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.
Key Scripture: “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
- Live Out Your Faith: Demonstrate your love for God through your actions. Attend church regularly, engage in acts of service, and show kindness and compassion to others. Let your children see your faith in action, which will inspire them to do the same.
- Practice Forgiveness and Grace: When you make mistakes, admit them and seek forgiveness. Show your children the importance of grace and forgiveness in relationships. This teaches them humility and the power of God’s mercy.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: In the face of challenges, maintain a positive and hopeful attitude, grounded in your faith. Trust in God’s plan and express your reliance on His strength. This resilience and trust will be a powerful example for your children.
- Cultivate a Spirit of Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are key to developing a strong Christian life. Teaching your children to seek God through prayer and to worship Him wholeheartedly will anchour their faith and draw them closer to God.
Key Scripture: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
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- Family Prayer Time: Establish a regular family prayer time. Encourage your children to share their concerns and praises and pray together as a family. This practice teaches them the importance of bringing everything to God in prayer.
- Teach Individual Prayer: Help your children develop a personal prayer life. Provide them with simple prayer guides or journals where they can write down their prayers. Encourage them to talk to God about their day, their fears, and their joys.
- Engage in Worship Together: Make worship a joyful and regular part of your family life. Play worship music at home, attend church services together, and participate in worship activities. Teach your children to express their love for God through song, dance, and other forms of worship.
Raising Christian kids in an ungodly world can be challenging, but with intentional effort and reliance on God’s guidance, it is possible to nurture a strong and lasting faith in your children. By building a foundation in God’s Word, modeling a Christ-centered life, and cultivating a spirit of prayer and worship, you can equip your children to stand firm in their faith amidst the challenges of the world.
Final Encouragement: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. God is with you, providing strength, wisdom, and grace. Trust in Him, lean on His promises, and watch as He works in the lives of your children, drawing them closer to Him each day. May your family be a beacon of His love and light in this world, shining brightly for His glory.
Connect with us at CEF Canada for any additional thoughts on helping your family grow strong in the Lord.
Be Blessed
Art