Embracing God's Principles in Parenting: A Journey of Faith

The Importance of a Strong Foundation

So, the thing that they say happens has now happened. When your children are small, everyone speaks of how time flies by. Before you know it, they are grown up. Recently, our eldest son celebrated his 22nd birthday. This milestone gives me pause to reflect on the past 22 years as a parent. The thought that floated to the top of my mind is this:

The principles that we have been teaching over the last few decades and living in our own family work.

Of course, these are God’s principles, so there is no surprise there. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating, as they say. As we taught these principles, we were aware that they sometimes conflicted with the world's suggestions on how parenting should be done.

I make no apologies in sharing with you the top three things we have intentionally worked on over the years as a family. I believe these three things will work for any family, from any culture. That’s the beauty of God’s principles; they are timeless.

Building a Solid Foundation

Firstly, the foundation we give our children matters. Our foundation for parenting and for every aspect of life should be the word of God. We’ve been intentional in sharing this truth, bringing our children into the church community, praying for them, and creating space for them to encounter the Lord for themselves. Foundations matter; they are not accidental. We must be deliberate in placing our foundations firmly on the Lord (and only the Lord). This will impact every decision we make as a family and every way we work together.

Prioritising Family

Secondly, the family is essential. We should prioritize our family over all other pursuits, except for our pursuit of the Lord. We chose to home educate our children from birth until the age of 16. It was a huge sacrifice compared to the alternative. To be honest, there were many moments when we thought we must be crazy! However, the fruit of investing so heavily in our family is evident in our children.

The Role of Faith

Finally, faith is the most important thing. We acknowledge that we could have placed our children on a solid foundation and prioritized the family, but this does not guarantee that they will choose to follow the Lord when they are older. These are the things that God has given us to do, but we are entirely dependent on the Lord to encounter our children and guide them into all that He has for them.

Seasons of Challenge

There have definitely been seasons in each of our children’s lives where we have had to cry out to God more for His mercy to intervene. We sought wisdom for shaping their character (and ours) and for avoiding the dangers the enemy has laid for them. “A season is not a life sentence,” is a word of encouragement we share with parents and ourselves alike! The life sentence is the call of God on their lives, which He knew before they were born.

Trusting in God's Plan

Their lives have not always been perfect, but the Lord has brought them through. Our trust is in Him. As it says in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain that build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Whatever we do as parents, let us never forget that we are reliant on the Lord’s mercy and grace for our family to follow Him.

Long-Term Vision

You might not see results in the short term, but the fruit in the long term will be good. We’ve always said that we do not want to raise children who simply survive church; we want to raise the future giants of the church. If you are having one of those days where it feels like you are going more backwards than forwards, then be encouraged! Set your foundation, focus on your family, and have faith that the Lord will bring you all through.

Embracing the Journey

Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. As we navigate this path, let us remember that we are not alone. We have the support of our faith community and the guidance of God’s word.

The Power of Community

Being part of a church community is invaluable. It provides a network of support and encouragement. We can share our struggles and victories with others who understand our journey. Together, we can pray for one another and lift each other up in times of need.

Encouraging Spiritual Growth

As we encourage our children to grow spiritually, let’s also invest in our own spiritual development. Reading scripture, participating in church activities, and engaging in prayer are vital. They not only strengthen our faith but also set a powerful example for our children.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment

In conclusion, parenting is a lifelong commitment. It requires dedication, love, and faith. By establishing a strong foundation, prioritising family, and nurturing faith, we can guide our children toward a fulfilling relationship with the Lord. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. Let us embrace this calling with joy and confidence, knowing that we are building a legacy of faith for future generations.