Raising Christian Children

Christians are a distinct type of people.  We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, that He lived on this earth as a man, that he was crucified on a cross, and that He was resurrected by God the Father's power after three days.  We believe that He lives today, sitting at the right hand of the Father, praying for His people on earth.  We believe that all people are born sinners with no true good in their hearts.  We believe that it's necessary to confess our sins and ask for the cleansing of Jesus' Blood.  We believe this is the only way to restore a union between ourselves and God.

All Christian parents want their children to share their Christian beliefs throughout their lives.  We see a deeper need than the now.  It's an eternal desire that motivates Christians to want other people–especially our own children–to be Christians as well.

Being born into a Christian family doesn't automatically make a person a lifetime Christian, though.  It's not like being born an American or being born with red hair.  The sad fact is that many Christian parents see their teens and young adults “fall away” from their faith.  Sometimes, the years of experimentation and rebellion turn into a lifetime walked on the world's path instead of God's path.  Some Christian parents have even watched their children choose another religion, like Buddhism or  New Age beliefs.  Some people raised by Christian parents have gone so far as to decide that they are atheist, denying the existence of God in any form.

What can parents do to ensure that their children become Christian adults, committed to Christ in every way?  Raising Christian children takes a different approach than general secular parenting.  A Christian home must look different than the other homes in the neighborhood.  If Christian homes and Christian parents are identical to worldly homes and parents, why should we expect a different outcome?

Pray

Our first obligation to the spiritual well-being of our children is prayer.  Any parent would admit that he is not capable of making his children perfect.  Only God can direct our children's steps as they grow into independent adults.  We should pray each day that He will build a fence of protection around them, keeping them safe from the influences of the world.

Equally important as praying for our children is praying with our children.  We should pray together as a family each day, asking for God's protection on the family and the home.  If you're not currently doing this, begin today!  I know you will see a difference in “how the day goes” if the Lord is invited in first thing.  Also remember to give thanks at the beginning of each meal and to pray with your children before bed each night.  These are habits that can take time to establish, but the entire family will benefit in the long run.

Be an Example of Christ

Having a parent who is a hypocrite is probably the surest way for a person to renounce his family's Christianity as an adult.  If parents admonish children to be honest like Jesus and then lie to the boss, the children immediately see the disconnect and seeds of doubt are planted in their hearts.  If the preacher preaches against a certain sin, and parents badmouth him around the Sunday dinner table (“I think Pastor Hayes stepped out of line today.  There's nothing wrong with watching R rated movies..I think they're entertaining, and God doesn't want us to be bored all the time.  Just because I watch a violent movie doesn't mean I'm going to go out and kill somebody.  That Pastor Hayes is a little too prudish if you ask me.”), the children will lose their respect for Christianity and God's ministers faster than you can say, “Pass the green beans.”

Being a good example of Christ requires surrender, giving up the comfortable fleshly ways of speaking and acting, and allowing Jesus to change our hearts to be more like His.  Being able to surrender to Him can only come through much prayer and study of His Word.

Be in the World, Not of the World

We all live in this world and must see the sin of others around us, but there are many things we can do to step away and not partake of that sin.  Choose your friendships wisely.  Fellowshipping with other Christians families will be an encouragement to you and to your children.  If you choose friends who live contrary to God's Word, your children will wonder why you tell them that they can't act that way too.  That wonder can easily turn into rebellion.

Take Them to Church

Hebrews 10:25 says in part, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.”  Many Christian families today have stopped attending church.  Usually they have legitimate reasons, and I won't try to be namby-pamby and act like all churches are perfect examples of God and His Word.  I know that many leave a lot to be desired.

What is true, though, is that God has commanded us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together.  Every family should continue visiting churches until God brings them to the right one.  If we diligently pray, God will lead us.  If He gave a command in His Word, He is not going to make it impossible to obey that command.

Church is the place where we can be encouraged by brothers and sisters in Christ, renewed by the praise we offer Him there, and restored by the Word we hear preached.  It is an essential ingredient in a healthy Christian life, for parents and children alike.

The delight of every Christian parent is to see the children God has given grow up into strong Christians who serve and follow our Savior.  Maybe an even greater delight is the Christian grandchildren that will soon follow.