The Divine Mandate: Raising Children in the Faith
The call to parenthood is one of the most profound and sacred trusts bestowed upon humanity by God. It is not merely a biological process but a spiritual stewardship, a divine mandate to raise up the next generation in the fear and admonition of the Lord. In a world increasingly hostile to Christian values, the responsibility of equipping our children with an unwavering faith, grounded in the unchangeable Word of God, becomes paramount. This article will explore the biblical principles for raising children in the faith, drawing wisdom from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
The Foundation: A Parent's Heart for God
Before parents can effectively impart faith to their children, their own lives must be deeply rooted in Christ. Children are keen observers, and their parents' genuine walk with God speaks louder than any words. The principles laid out in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 highlight this foundational truth:
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
The command is first for the words to be in the parent's heart. A vibrant, living faith is contagious. When children see their parents prioritizing God's Word, seeking His will in prayer, demonstrating love and forgiveness, and living a life of integrity, they gain a tangible example of what it means to follow Christ. This personal devotion forms the bedrock upon which all other instruction is built. Without a heart fully devoted to God, attempts to teach children about Him will ring hollow.
Diligent Instruction and Righteous Discipline
The command to "teach them diligently" implies a consistent, intentional effort. Raising children in the faith is not a passive endeavor but an active, ongoing process that permeates every aspect of daily life. This involves:
- Systematic Teaching of Scripture: Reading the Bible together, explaining its truths, and applying its principles to everyday situations. Parents are the primary educators of their children's souls.
- Prayer: Teaching children to pray, praying with them, and praying for them. This fosters a direct relationship with God and demonstrates reliance upon Him.
- Worship: Cultivating a heart of worship, both individually and corporately, by attending church regularly and participating in fellowship.
Equally vital is the biblical concept of discipline. The world often shies away from correction, but scripture presents it as an act of love, essential for a child's spiritual and moral development. Proverbs is replete with wisdom on this matter:
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
This "training" includes loving correction. The rod of correction, when applied in love and wisdom, is not abuse but a tool for shaping character and teaching righteousness. Consider these verses:
Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Discipline, paired with instruction, teaches children the consequences of sin, the importance of obedience, and the boundaries of God's moral law. It is a vital component of leading them toward a life of wisdom and righteousness, ultimately pointing them to Christ.
Nurturing and Admonishing in the Lord
While discipline is crucial, it must be balanced with nurturing. The apostle Paul exhorts fathers:
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Nurture speaks of tender care, love, encouragement, and providing for a child's emotional and spiritual well-being. This means creating a home environment where children feel loved, safe, and valued. It involves listening to their concerns, celebrating their successes, and comforting them in their failures. A child who feels loved and accepted is more open to instruction and correction.
Admonition refers to gentle warning, instruction, and guidance. It's about teaching them the difference between right and wrong, guiding them towards wise choices, and warning them about the dangers of sin and worldly influences. This isn't just about rules, but about explaining the "why" behind God's commands, helping them understand His character and His desire for their good.
Parents must also be vigilant gatekeepers, protecting their children from harmful influences while still preparing them to engage with the world. This requires discernment in media consumption, friendships, and educational choices, always measuring against the plumb line of God's Word.
The Role of the Church and Community
While parents are the primary spiritual instructors, they are not meant to do it alone. The local church plays a vital supportive role in raising children in the faith. It provides:
Parents should actively involve their children in the life of a sound, Bible-preaching church, understanding that the body of Christ is God's ordained means of mutual edification and spiritual growth. The family and the church are God's two primary institutions for discipling believers.
Trusting God for the Outcome
Despite diligent effort, there is no guarantee that every child raised in a Christian home will choose to follow Christ. Each individual has free will. However, parents are called to faithfulness, not necessarily to guaranteed results. Our responsibility is to plant the seeds, water them, and trust God for the increase.
The promise of Proverbs 22:6 – "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" – is often a source of both hope and heartache for parents. While not an absolute promise of salvation for every child, it speaks to the enduring power of foundational training and God's faithfulness. Many who stray in their youth often return to the truths instilled in them during childhood. Our hope is in God's sovereignty and His desire that none should perish.
Parents must persevere in prayer for their children, committing them to the Lord's care, and trusting that God honors their faithful efforts. The greatest joy a parent can experience is to see their children walking in truth, as expressed in 3 John 1:4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
Conclusion
Raising children in the faith is a challenging yet profoundly rewarding journey. It requires a parent's own vibrant faith, diligent instruction, loving discipline, consistent nurture, and active participation in the body of Christ. It is a lifelong commitment, rooted in God's Word and empowered by His Spirit. As parents faithfully fulfill this divine mandate, they are not only shaping the eternal destiny of their children but also building a legacy of faith that can impact generations for the glory of God. May we embrace this sacred trust with reverence, diligence, and unwavering dependence on our Heavenly Father.