Janelle Esker Why in the name of heaven would Christian parents choose to embrace a parenting philosophy that is unbiblical? There are a plethora of reasons and we will explore some of the most pertinent. Parenting Biblically in a post-Christian culture is hard, however, my hope today is to provide clarity and make things just a little bit easier!
The number one question that my husband and I receive from readers, church members, and friends are “How did we manage to raise six kids to follow Jesus?”. A close second is “How did you get them to all like, love, and want to spend time together?”. The simple answer is parenting Biblically.
Parenting Biblically means that you are first and foremost focusing on loving your children the way Christ loves you. The biblical role of a parent is to guide the children God has placed in your care. Fathers and mothers have the responsibility to facilitate the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of their children. The most important biblical duty of a parent is to make dedicated disciples of Christ.
Parenting Biblically In A Post Christian Culture
Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Proverbs 1:8-9 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
John 8:51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.
Acts 2:38-39 Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxio
us about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-16 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
1 John 3:7 Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous.
