If you're a parent, you know this fight is real. Children are without a doubt a blessing from God, and we have the task of teaching them about God, Jesus and how to live according to God's principles. We are entrusted with their education and well-being, both physically and spiritually. Unfortunately, as the gap between godly and worldly values widens, raising godly children can seem like an increasingly difficult challenge.
What can you do to protect your children in a world whose priorities are far from the Word of God? How can you protect them from the enemy who wants to use this world's system to steal, kill and destroy their future? How do you teach them to choose the way of God and not the way of the world?
Here Are Some Tips To Help You Raise Godly Children In A Godless World:
1. Protect Their Minds:
We live in a media-centric society and there is practically no way around it. So what can we do to protect children's minds from being inundated with messages that could hamper their spiritual development?
2. Be Attentive To Your Social Networks:
No need to block social networking sites. However, it is important that we are aware of the increasingly violent and vulgar things that children are exposed to on social networks. To help, see if sites have parental controls to prevent exposing children to inappropriate themes and images. At a minimum, we should monitor who our children are interacting with online and what they are viewing by reviewing their account history.
3. Monitor Movies And Video Games:
The Bible is very clear about filling our minds with good things. Philippians 4: 8 (NKJV) tells us: “Finally, brothers, think about everything that is true, about everything honest, about everything just, about everything pure, about everything lovely, about everything that is worthy of praise; if there is any virtue in it, if there is anything to admire, think of it.'
We have to carefully monitor the movies and video games our children watch. Before deciding the suitability of a movie or game based on its rating, consider checking out the broad ratings on the internet, they will give you a suggested age range for specific movies and games, as well as a detailed summary of the content, including the content. language, violence and sex scenes.
4. Protect Your Child's Spirit:
Protecting your child's spirit begins at home. The stronger your children's foundation of principles, the easier it will be for them to trust their own values and beliefs. You are probably familiar with Proverbs 22:6 (ESV). This writing is a basic principle of child development that may be every parent's best resource. "Teach the child to faithfully follow his path from her, and even if he grows old he will not depart from it."
5. Time With God In The Mornings:
Start the day with the Word of God. Find a devotional that is appropriate for your child and read it together over breakfast. Speak positive words throughout the day and determine to approach every situation with faith.
6. Time With God At Night:
Most of us have a nightly prayer ritual with our children, to thank God for the day and have a restful night. But consider making this a reflection of morning time with God as well. Review your child's day with them. Ask if they had any situations with friends or teachers, and how they handled it. If you feel it didn't go well, discuss together a better way to handle those situations in the future.
7. Role-Playing Game:
Sometimes it is helpful to resolve a situation before facing it. If you're giving a presentation at work, for example, you can rehearse in front of the mirror the night before. A similar approach is very useful for children. Ask your children what kinds of negative situations they think they might encounter at school, in the neighborhood, or at church. For example, they might tell you about another child who encourages them to do something they know is wrong. Do a role play with them. Be the other child and allow your child to recognize how he would respond to her in a situation like that.
8. Keep Them Busy:
Sometimes the best way to limit the influences of a world system that permeates everything our children see and hear is to simply keep them busy. This doesn't mean overloading them and dragging them from one lesson or activity to another, but it does mean making sure they have more to occupy their time than just social media and texting.
9. Sports
Physical activity is great for your child's health and a natural antidepressant. There are usually a large number of sports organizations sponsored by the city. You may even want to check your town to see if there are any Christian sports leagues.
10. Family Activities
When everyone is home, are they each in a separate room, doing their own thing? Consider scheduling a regular family game night. When everyone is playing together, it's a good time to talk informally about topics that may seem too intimidating for direct, face-to-face conversation.
11. Family Meals
It's understandable that many of us are busy with the hustle and bustle of life, but studies show that children who have dinner with their parents at least three times a week develop stronger relationships with them. If dining together often seems like an impossible task, start with one or two nights a week and work your way up from there. Every little bit counts.
Raising godly children may seem like a monumental task, but remember, you have the help of the best parent there is: God! Keep his Word before your eyes and confess it with your mouth every day. Stand firm in faith, believing that He has equipped you with everything you need to help them become mature, godly, and responsible adults who will build and promote the kingdom of God.