Raising Godly Children in Times Like These

In this rapidly evolving world, raising godly and spiritually grounded children in times like these can feel increasingly challenging.

Children are confronted with various potential evils that can lead them astray from the path of righteousness.

Today, various mediums like television, movies, and even elementary school sex education are encouraging them to embrace moral relativism.

And tolerate behaviors that contradict biblical teachings.

I recall going to the park one time to take a nice walk and blow off some steam from the stress of schoolwork.

I was enjoying the cool breeze and gazing into the lake, relishing the calm. Until I wasn’t.

Coming towards my direction and then Sitting directly on the bench beside me was a young teenage couple making out.

They were about 16 years of age.

They were passionate and utterly oblivious to everything and everyone , including me who was standing right next to them.

I’m not a prude. Really, I’m not.

However, a couple’s behavior becomes unacceptable when they disregard basic social norms in public.

I was there along with other people to watch and enjoy nature, not young teens fondling each other.

I looked at them. They looked right back at me but they didn’t stop.

I remember thinking, When did this all become so “normal” in our generation?

We now have an entire generation being indoctrinated to believe that no one—let alone God—gets to define the moral boundaries.

It’s indeed a wicked world.

More Modern Challenges

In today’s generation, children face a pervasive influence of technology, particularly social media.

This internet tool offers numerous benefits but also exposes them to distractions, cyberbullying, harmful content, and negative peer influences.

These external pressures push kids to compromise their values to fit in and gain acceptance.

Moreover, broader societal factors come into play.

The prevalence of secularism prompts children to question what’s right and wrong.

Materialism also promotes a focus on material wealth over spiritual growth, diverting attention from embracing and developing a relationship with God.

In this world, gender roles have intentionally shifted and are strongly advocated.

The original concept of marriage between male and female has evolved into various alternative forms under the banner of “diverse sexuality.”

Some celebrate underage pregnancy, and sex is often viewed casually without sanctity.

Indeed, we live in an age marked by significant ungodliness.

However, even in times like these, it remains possible to raise children with strong faith and guide them towards a deep and authentic relationship with God.

What does it mean to Raise Godly Children?

Parents bear primary responsibility for training their children.

Likewise every adult influence in a child’s life should contribute to their upbringing.

Raising children in accordance with God’s design, as seen in Luke 2:52, involves nurturing them intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.

So Jesus grew both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him.

Luke 2:52

While many prioritize a child’s physical and intellectual needs, neglecting their spiritual growth and social development leaves them vulnerable to negative influences.

In today’s perilous times, safeguarding our children from harmful influences is very important.

Unfortunately, many churches overlook the importance of child training.

They treat the children’s church as merely a means to prevent parents from getting distracted during the service.

This leads to superficial activities and ill-prepared Sunday school teachers.

There’s room for improvement, and it’s essential to do better for the sake of our children.

How Can We Raise Godly Children?

Let’s explore three ways to achieve this.

• Building a Strong Foundation of Faith: Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

With this guidance, nurturing a solid foundation of faith in our children from a young age is likely to have a lasting impact.

This involves consistently reading and talking about passages from the Bible.

As well as praying together as a family, and going to Sunday services collectively.

Moreover, creating a faith-filled atmosphere in our homes can be like crafting a cozy nest for young hearts to thrive.

Through these actions, we not only impart a deep understanding of God’s word but also spark their imagination, making the teachings of the Bible vivid and memorable.

It’s also significant to attentively address our children’s spiritual inquiries, offering them considerate and age-appropriate responses.

Proverbs 18:2 advises us, “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions”.

By attentively listening and providing guidance without passing judgment, we can aid in cultivating their unwavering faith.

All the while nurturing their daily curiosity and love for God.

• Incorporating Biblical Teachings: The Bible is a timeless guide containing valuable lessons for navigating life’s challenges.

We can raise godly children by incorporating biblical teachings into their everyday lives.

For example, during challenging times or when making tough decisions, motivate them to turn to the wisdom found in the Word of God.

By applying biblical principles, children can develop resilience, empathy, and discernment.

Teaching them about virtues such as kindness, forgiveness, and patience will help them approach relationships and conflicts with a sense of humility.

Furthermore, it might involve volunteering and assisting neighbors in times of need.

Additionally, simply showing empathy in our daily interactions can contribute to instilling these crucial life lessons.

Such actions can serve as practical examples of our faith in action.

Reinforcing the notion that faith in Christ isn’t just a set of beliefs but a way of living that brings happiness and a feeling of fulfillment.

By nurturing our children in this comprehensive manner, we not only provide them with a solid bedrock of faith.

But we also furnish them with the resources to confront life’s trials with grace and resilience.

• Modeling Christ-Like Behaviour: Children often watch and mimic the actions of their parents, other influential adults in their lives, and, in many cases, their peers.

Amidst the noise and distractions of the world, one of the most profound lessons we can impart to them is modeling Christ-like behavior.

Instilling a strong sense of right and wrong in our children is crucial, and we must never encourage excuses for compromise.

In a world where what’s considered normal and trendy can often be misguided.

Therefore, it’s vital to teach our children about the repercussions of unethical behavior and reckless living.

That these can eventually result in unnecessary shame and humiliation in their future.

Encouraging our children to ask themselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) if He were living as a human in our time is a powerful guiding principle.

It reminds them to consistently assess their actions and choices.

For example, if they consider participating in behaviors such as pornography, theft, cheating, premarital sex, lies, or dishonesty, they can reflect on whether Christ would approve of those actions.

By modeling Christ-like behavior and imparting these values to our children, we offer practical examples of how to live out our Christian faith in today’s world.

• Parenting with Faith and Love: Raising godly children in evil times like this demands intentional dedication, patience, and perseverance.

It’s imperative for parents to purposefully cultivate their children’s faith.

While your role in their character and spiritual development is crucial, always remember that God serves as the ultimate guide and source of strength.

By integrating prayer into your daily routine, and relying on God’s grace, you can effectively equip your children to confront the challenges of this ever-changing world.

Helping them grow with Christ in their hearts and a compassionate spirit.

SHALOM!