5 Things You Can do Today to Raise Godly Children

​A key responsibility of parenting is the education of our children as we seek to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. ​

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

As parents, we are instructed by Scripture to train children in the way [they] should go. God holds us personally accountable and we must never relinquish our responsibility, even though we may share it with someone outside the home. Consequently, if we do share that responsibility with someone outside the home, we should look for a school that works with, and not against, us in fulfilling that responsibility. To satisfy this mandate Scripturally, we need to understand that both the home and the school are measured by the same standards—the Bible.

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5

Essential elements to help children grow in Christian maturity are to teach them how to study God's Word, apply its principles, and obey its truths in all of life's experiences. The focus of education should be to guide their lives in becoming more like Christ as they advance academically and grow physically.

To help our children receive the education that will best lead them to Christian maturity, we should model by example a Christian's response to the activities of life. The practice of following Biblical principles will strengthen family ties and enhance a child's journey to a dedicated life in Christ. And a dedicated life in Christ should be our goal.

Continue reading to discover 5 Things You Can do Today to Raise Godly Children.

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5 Things You Can do Today to Raise Godly Children:

1. Pray For and With Your Children Parents, pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17) for your children that they might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18). Encourage your children to share their prayer requests, answered prayers, and praises during family prayer time. Provide them with a prayer journal. Check out the My Kid's Prayer Journal below. Guide your children to pray about all things. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6). Let them witness the relationship of prayer in solving problems, giving strength in stressful times, teaching responsibility, and growing in Christian maturity. Avoid compromising family prayer time on the altar of convenience. Wow! Isn't that just such an easy trap to fall into! Share you own prayer life with your children. They need to witness the power of prayer in your life!
2. Worship God Together Faithfully attend a local, Bible-believing church with your children and get involved in the work there. Attend services regularly and support the outreach and ministries of the church. Let your children experience the spiritual beauty of a genuine Christian home. At home, read God's Word and pray together as a family. Have regular devotions and prayer time. Teach your children to personally study the Bible and pray daily. This is how I, as a teen, discovered the basis for what I believe. You want your children to KNOW what they believe, why they believe it, and be able to back that belief up with biblical truths. I cannot tell you how important this will be to them as a young adult! 
3. Discipline Biblically and With Love Discipline is a part of life which cannot be avoided— whether you are a child or adult. It's just part of life. Seek out opportunities to praise your children's positive actions. Comment on their good choices, wise decisions, or polite manners. Manners in particular, is something that is just completely lost in our society today! Include their personal activities on the family calendar. When a child misbehaves, correct him or her appropriately and reasonably, but never in anger. If discipline is needed, make certain that your child understands exactly what they did that requites correction. Be consistent! Be as consistent as possible and never keep records. Do for your children what the Lord does for us, and that is, discipline with love.
4. Be Intentional About Quality Family Time No matter how busy life gets, regularly schedule family time. Take advantage of the opportunities to be together as a family. Trust me, the time will soon come, even though it may not seem like it now, when your children will be grown. Build memories now, while you can! And it doesn't have to be crazy expensive. It can be as simple as game night or a movie and popcorn at home. Or, as exciting as a campout or excursion to the local amusement park or zoo. Make lasting memories while you have the opportunity.
5. Let Them Know They Have Your Full Support This begins with good communication. Build a relationship with the other adults in your children's lives who are also working to educate them. If they attend school or participate in sports outside the home, build a positive relationship with their teachers and coaches. It will benefit you, the teachers, coaches, and your children. Support the teachers and coaches as they help your children in the pursuit of Christian maturity and quality learning. Make every effort to attend school and athletic event, especially if your children are interested or involved. Your children will never forget your support in these areas. Use homework as an opportunity to share in your children's academic development. This will also help you keep up to date with their studies and academic progress.

As you embrace your God-given responsibility as a parent in the lives of your children, don't expect miracles over night, just progress.

​It takes years for an acorn to grow into a mighty oak. ​

As we work together for the common goal of Christ-likeness, we will have the opportunity of observing our children's growth, little by little, into truly mature Christians who will do for their children what was done for them. The investment is worth the time and effort, because the dividends are eternal!

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My Kid's Prayer Journal

One of the best ways of being intentional about showing your child the power of prayer is to provide him or her with a prayer journal. I know in my own life, when I'm able to see answers to prayer, I am more likely to realize it's power— and I am more likely to see the answers when I have journaled my prayers.

We love this My Kid's Prayer Journal! And you can't go wrong here, it's like $5.00 today on Amazon. Go get it! 

​My Kid's Prayer Journal 100 Days of Prayer & Praise is a children's prayer journal built to inspire conversation and prayer with God, and it is packed with goodness! It's the perfect tool for your child to build a better relationship with Christ! Start each day reciting the Lord's Prayer and then sit with your child as you go through the guided prompts to help cultivate their understanding of prayer and relationship with God. The journal is printed on high quality paper and has a beautifully designed cover with a matte finish. Grab one for your child or multiple for friends—it's the perfect gift!

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Whether you are a homeschool mom, Christian school mom or public school mom, what's the one piece of advice on raising Godly children in this Godless world you would give to moms like you?