Raising Christian Children In A Secular World (Proverbs 22:6)
In today’s rapidly changing society, the task of raising godly children can feel like building a house on sand. Yet, as Christian parents, we’re called to establish a firm foundation rooted in biblical truth. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). This timeless wisdom reminds us that our efforts in shaping our children’s faith have lasting impact.
To build this foundation, we must first ensure our own faith is strong. Children are perceptive; they’ll quickly notice if our actions don’t align with our words. As Joshua declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), we too must make a firm commitment to living out our faith daily.
Creating a Godcentered home environment is crucial. This doesn’t mean plastering Bible verses on every wall, but rather infusing our daily lives with God’s presence. When we naturally incorporate prayer, Scripture reading, and discussions about faith into our routines, we show our children that faith is not just a Sunday activity, but a way of life.
Handling the Secular Currents
As our children venture into the world, they’ll encounter ideas and values that contradict their Christian upbringing. Rather than sheltering them completely, we need to equip them to handle these situatons. “Be in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-15) then becomes a lived reality.
Another way to equip them is through open and honest communication. Create a safe space where your children can ask questions, express doubts, and discuss challenging topics. When my son came home confused about evolution being taught at school, we didn’t dismiss his questions. Instead, we explored the topic together, examining both scientific and biblical perspectives.
Teach your children to think critically and evaluate worldly messages against biblical truth. As Paul advises, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Encourage them to ask, “What would Jesus do?” when faced with difficult decisions.
Establishing Personal Relationship with God
While we can teach our children about God, we can’t force them to have a relationship with Him. Our role is to create an environment where that relationship can flourish. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (James 4:8) is a promise we can help our children experience.
Encourage personal devotion time. Even for young children, setting aside a few minutes each day for prayer and Bible reading can establish a lifelong habit. When our youngest struggled with nightmares, we taught her to pray and recite Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Involve your children in serving others. When we volunteer to help and serve others, we’re not just doing good deeds; we’re showing our kids how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Gathering Of Like Minds
Finding a supportive Christian community is invaluable. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). This doesn’t just mean attending church on Sundays; it’s about building relationships with other believers who can encourage and support your family’s faith journey. Seek out opportunities for your children to form friendships with other Christian kids. Whether through youth groups, Christian camps, or homeschool coops, these relationships can provide a crucial support system as they manage the challenges of growing up in a secular world.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to other Christian parents, join a small group, or find a mentor. Sharing experiences, challenges, and victories can provide much-needed encouragement and wisdom. As we strive to raise godly children in a world that often seems to push against our values, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But take heart! “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Our efforts, combined with God’s grace, can produce fruit that lasts a lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, raising Christian children in this world is no small task, but it’s one of the most important callings we have as parents. By building a strong foundation of faith, equipping our children to manage secular influences, fostering a personal relationship with God, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community, we can guide our children to not just survive but thrive in their faith.
Remember, every moment is an opportunity to point our children to Christ. Whether we’re discussing current events at the dinner table or praying together before bedtime, we’re shaping the next generation of believers. As we give our time, resources, and energy to this noble task, we can trust that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in our families (Philippians 1:6).
May our children grow to be strong in faith, rich in love, and bold in their witness for Christ.
