Parenting as a Christian

     Within the next 3 months, my beautiful wife and I will be welcoming with open arms, our second son. My oldest son will become a brother and this honor comes with responsibility, for all of us. Our newborn son will rely on us for every aspect of life, just like we rely on God for our lives. 

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." 1 John 4:16

     As a parent, we get to watch something incredible take place. We get to witness the growth of a seed that blooms into a child with curious eyes. One that begins life, not able to roll over or lift their head, to running around and beginning to speak in one years time. They learn how to act, how to speak, how to essentially be “like you”.  Everything they know and learn, is from watching you and the ones you allow them to be around.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”Luke 6:45

     What is your heart full of? A toddler’s mind is like a sponge and they will absorb everything they see and hear. That’s why it’s so important, not to just watch your tongue in front of them, BUT to change your ways for the better altogether for your child(ren). The habits you have transfer to your child, the good and the bad. Your children watch how you treat others, how you speak to your spouse, the shows you watch, the music you listen too, video games you play, what you consume and drink, every action is being digested by the little eyes of your child. So make sure your actions display the life of Jesus and the Love of God.

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”1 John 3:18

     Pray over them daily. Pray that God makes them a warrior for Christ, for good health, and for God to use your child to save the lives of others. Dedicate them to God for his purpose and imagine all the lives that your son or daughter will reach.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."Ephesians 6:18

     Your words need to be uplifting at all times. Encourage them and never tear them down. Words are a double edged sword which over time, can leave emotional wounds. Teasing too much might be “funny” to the parent, but you could be scarring your child. Never tell them they “are the worst” or “not good enough.” Always build up their character.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

     Don't scare your kids. Purposely terrifying your child creates fear that can grab ahold and grow. Fear is a hindrance and you don’t want anything hindering their growth with God or the plans He has for them.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9

     Most importantly, teach them that Love is the key to everything. Love for family, friends, and all our brothers and sisters in Christ. If God is Love, like He says He is, and your child displays Love for others, then they are displaying God to the world. Thats what we strive for as a parent! 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”2 Timothy 3:16

     We want to make sure our kids are taken care of and develop into good people. We want them to succeed in every way, and to do that, we must help them develop a relationship with God. With God by their side, who can ever stop them from succeeding?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

     It is our job and responsibility to raise our kids right. We have one shot in life to do this and we need to prepare them to do the will of God so they too, can live eternally in Heaven.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”Matthew 7:21

     God…make us into the parents our children need and deserve. The parents that encourage our children, does not instill fear, does not tear down, prays daily, sets great examples, and overall displays Love and Kindness to all. We know our children develop their habits from us and those we allow around them, so please guide us and keep us on your path. In Jesus name, Amen.

     What are some ways you are sharing God's Love and Christ with your child(ren)? Share in the comments below or on instagram @christianpalsblog. We would love to hear back from our readers!

Ken is a blogger at Christian Pals Blog. He enjoys anything creative and playing golf.
Proud father, husband, and servant of God.

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