Purposeful Parenting

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 the mother of five children, I cling to God’s word and prayer over each one of them by name. Nothing good has happened merely by happenstance. God desires that mothers and fathers lead their children to know Him. If we don’t exercise purpose and intention to raise them in godliness, they will drift away from God. It’s our responsibility to train them in prayer, Bible study, and church fellowship. What does it take to T.R.A.I.N. our children?

T – Teach them by our example.
We can’t just tell our kids the right thing to do without doing the right thing ourselves. Our example of living a Christ-like life speaks volumes to their hearts about God.

(James 1:22) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

R – Repent when we are wrong.
Many times parents do or say the wrong thing and keep going as if nothing happened. However, when we confess our sins and ask forgiveness, it opens the door of their hearts to do the same.

(1 John 1:8) “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

A – Anticipate adversity from within and outside the family.
We must stand guard for our family through prayer as well as the knowledge and application of God’s word. Our enemy, Satan, will do everything he can to destroy family unity in Christ.

(2 Corinthians 10:3) “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.”

I – Instigate a God-awareness in everything.
At every age of our children is an opportunity to reveal God’s hand. Our discernment to know what to say and how to say it comes from the Holy Spirit.

(Deuteronomy 4:9) “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”

N – Navigate them towards God’s purpose and plan for their lives.
Our children have been born for God’s purpose and not ours. While we pray for them, we can also encourage them towards moving in God’s direction for their li(fe decisions.

(Proverbs 16:3) “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”