If you’re a parent figure, you know that raising children can be the greatest joy you ever experience and the biggest struggle you face. And if you’re a follower of Christ, you likely feel an added burden to make sure your kids grow up to know and love God.
In Proverbs 23:24, the author points out that joy in parenting comes when our children are two things: godly and wise. So, how do we help our kids become more like Jesus and develop the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life?
While there are different ways, here are two to start with:
Find a Christ-centered community.
As a parent, you’ll need to surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus so that way you’re not alone when raising kids gets challenging. If you don’t have that today, commit to taking the next step in that direction—join a small group, get connected at church, invite friends over for dinner, or get to know a neighbor.
Teach kids to ask for help.
Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, chances are high that they love being independent. “I can do it myself” might be one of the most common phrases you hear.
It's easy to think that developing wisdom comes from doing it all on our own, but James 1:5 reminds us that God will give us wisdom when we ask Him for it. The best way to help your kids develop wisdom is to point them to the source of wisdom.
Model what it looks like to seek help from God by praying with your kids—even if it’s uncomfortable.
Parenting is difficult, but it can also be rewarding. So as you commit to the daily challenges and joys of taking care of kids, remember this:
The greatest contribution you make to the world might not actually be what you do, but who you raise.
Think about the child or children in your life. Today, ask yourself, "What’s one thing I can start doing to help point the kids in my life toward Jesus?"
