"Raising Godly Children"

  There is no secret on raising godly children. Our world is steeped in sin and from Scripture we know the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (I John 5:19). That puts a lot of spiritual destruction in the presence of our children on a daily basis. That puts a lot of ungodly behavior and attitudes before us daily! At school, at play and in the media our children are hammered by the wiles of the devil. We as parents have gone through the years and sometimes find ourselves a little to comfortable in this world of sin and death. We have simply grown immune to what is happening around us.

  Too many of our children are being thrown into the world of sin and death by parents who claim Christ as their sin-bearer but He has little impact in the training and teaching them. Parents who knowingly skip out on the worship of the Father who provided us the way of escape through Jesus will also skip out on training their children to love the Lord with all their heart and soul. Someone once asked me if I had a good book on teaching how to raise godly children and I held up my Bible. They weren't impressed and that's the problem. We look to man's writings over God's and no wonder little faith is built or established in our children. 

  Here are a couple of guidelines from God's word on helping you raise godly children in such an ungodly world. (1) From as early as possible, emphasize God and His word in their ears and heart! Paul knew why Timothy was the man of God he was because faith "first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well." (II Tim. 1:5) Paul further knew and encouraged Timothy to continue in the things he had learned and "that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you wisdom that leads to salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus." (II Tim. 3:14-15) This is where many parents fail. Teach your children as early as possible the emphasis of God and His holy Scripture that will lead them to salvation. That's more than just reading some Bible story before bed! (It is good to read to them but emphasis is on the living and discernment, not just a story!)

  (2) Emphasize godliness in both actions and thinking! To raise godly children we must show that holy behavior is God behavior (I Pet. 1:15-17) We must teach godliness both in our tongues and actions. You train that when you are hurt, never retaliate. When you sin, confess. When you encounter behaviors that go against God's word, move away from it. And the topping is always, always emphasize the importance of worship and praise of God, both in assembling with the saints and at home. Children need to know the preciousness of the church to Jesus and should be to us. Teach them the importance of prayer and an attitude of thankfulness. If parents aren't being instructed themselves in these avenues, there is little chance the children will learn. We see from the OT that many times when nations were over-taken because of their ungodly behavior, God required not only the life of men and women but also the children! What a terrible thought to think such but the reason is because of the influence that had been ingrained in the children by their parents. These children, even though they would be saved and are great in the eyes of God, if left to grow up they would not leave their instructing by their parents. That's a life lesson we need to learn.

  May you have a heart for the Lord. May you take your role seriously as a parent to raise godly children. Don't be so quick to push your children in the ways of the world that is run by the evil one. Emphasize God and His word from early on. Emphasize godliness in action and attitude from the beginning. God's blessings to each!