E3 Parents

The Goal of Christian Parenting

December 23, 2008 at 4:31 pm Leave a comment

As I continue to read Steve Wright’s ApParent Privilege I am so glad I invested in this book, both as a parent so that I can apply the thoughts and biblical principles he shares in raising my daughter, and as a youth minister so I can share these same thoughts and principles with other parents. Over the past ten years in full time ministry I have asked a lot of parents about their primary goals for their kids. Overwhelmingly the most popular answer is, “I want my kids to be good kids, to stay out of trouble, and to go to college so they can provide a good life for themselves.” As a human being I think that sounds pretty good. But as a Christian I constantly wonder where the redeeming work of Jesus plays a role in this goal.

Wright put into words in his book what has been on my heart and I had to share this:

“The goal of Christian parenting isn’t to simply avoid today’s trouble. Biblical parenting is more than keeping our kids from having sex, using drugs, or going to jail. It is about fostering an awe of God in our children. It is about showing our children their need for a Savior and introducing them to Jesus who alone can rescue their lives from sin and give life that lasts forever.”

What an incredible privilege and responsibility God has given me as a dad to “foster an awe of God” in my daughter. The truth is, I can’t do that on my own. I must daily walk with God and grow more and more in awe of Him myself. I have to grow in my personal relationship with Jesus and put my complete trust in Him…even in the face of trouble. My prayer for you as a parent is that you would also grow more and more in awe of God and that your kids would see that and want that in their lives!

Entry filed under: Parenting. Tags: Family Ministry, Parenting.