BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATION

You cannot always be with your children forever, whether due to distance or, God forbid, passing away. What legacy will you leave them? What training or tools have you provided to help them navigate the boisterous challenges and demands of life? The greatest gift you can offer as a parent is a foundation in God. The earlier you start, the better. 

Catching children young for Christ is not only a vital part of Christian parenting but a beautiful and profitable investment in their spiritual, emotional, and moral development. By grounding them in God's Word early on, we can ensure they grow up with a strong faith, the ability to overcome challenges, and resilience against negative peer influences especially when you as a parent aren’t around them. 

Most importantly, the Bible emphasizes the importance of instructing children in the ways of the Lord from an early age. Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse highlights the long-term benefits of early spiritual training. By instilling Christian values and principles in children, we lay a solid foundation that will guide them throughout their lives. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reinforces this by urging parents to keep God’s commandments in their hearts and impress them upon their children. “Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This passage enlightens us on the necessity of integrating God's Word into everyday life, ensuring that children grow up in an environment saturated with biblical teachings. Unfortunately, most Christian homes are not to write home in this regard. No family devotions, like studying God’s word together, praying together and so on. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT CHILDREN ARE GROUNDED IN GOD’S WORD EARLY? 

It provides them with a moral compass and a sense of purpose.

Psalm 119:105 states, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When children are taught the Scriptures, they gain wisdom and discernment, enabling them to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and integrity. The Bible offers timeless truths and moral guidelines that help children understand right from wrong and make decisions that honor God.

Moreover, 2 Timothy 3:15 highlights the role of the Scriptures in imparting wisdom: “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” By exposing children to biblical teachings early on, parents equip them with the knowledge of salvation and the understanding necessary for a lifelong relationship with Christ. 

Overcoming challenges through Faith

Life is filled with challenges, and children are not exempt from facing difficulties. By teaching them to rely on God’s Word, parents can prepare their children to overcome obstacles with faith and resilience. Philippians 4:13 declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds children that they can draw strength from Christ in times of trouble and that no challenge is insurmountable with God’s help.

Furthermore, James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Teaching children to see challenges as part of God’s refining process helps them develop perseverance and spiritual maturity. 

Handling Peer Influence

Peer influence is a powerful force in a child’s life, often shaping their attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs. By grounding children in God’s Word, parents can help them stand firm against negative peer pressure. Romans 12:2 advises, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This verse encourages children to resist conforming to worldly standards and instead, renew their minds through Scripture.

Additionally, 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be misled; bad company corrupts good character.” By teaching children to choose their friends wisely and remain steadfast in their faith, parents can protect them from harmful influences. Proverbs 13:20 further supports this: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Instilling these Biblical principles helps children develop discernment in their relationships.