This post originally appeared at https://wifamilycouncil.org/radio/parenting-vital-biblical/
2025 | Week of October 20 | Radio Transcript #1641
National Parenting Week. Ever heard of it? Probably not, but it’s worth talking about. Regardless of the cultural claim that our most important accomplishments are our contributions in the workplace, presence on social media, or voice in the community, no other human position can rival the importance of the role of mother or father in the home. Despite its rewarding nature, the role of a parent is certainly not easy or trivial. And the rampant secularization of modern culture has created new and unique challenges for those striving to raise their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Be assured, however, that while new challenges require innovation and intentionality, they are not insurmountable.
In a world seeking to lead astray even the youngest of children, parents must display extraordinary vigilance. Parents are the frontline defense in their home. They must teach their children to combat the lies of this world with the truth of Scripture.
Training children to face the wickedness of this world requires strategy and diligence, and it’s definitely more than simply sheltering children from the real world. Sooner or later, and probably sooner than anyone anticipates, they will come in contact with the false ideologies that are so prevalent in our society. Parents bear the responsibility to equip their children to face the world one day without them.
Here are three strategies for parents to prepare their children to stand strong in their faith when they encounter the lies of this world.
First, parents must demonstrate strong personal faith. A national study conducted in 2022 by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that while two-thirds of parents of pre-teens claim to be Christians, only two percent actually possess a biblical worldview. Director of the study, George Barna notes, “When it comes to their children’s spiritual development, parents can’t give what they don’t have.”[i] Children can see through hypocrisy and will one day be able to see through the holes in their parents’ worldviews as well. Christian parents must live out a vibrant and authentic faith that their children can and want to follow.
Second, parents must tackle tough conversations. Too often, parents expect other Christian leaders to cover uncomfortable topics with their children. They send their kids to Christian school, youth group, Sunday school, and Bible camp trusting their children will learn how to combat false worldviews there. And while Christian leaders should address culturally relevant topics with children and teens, parents cannot blindly rely on others. Sadly, too often children grow up without receiving clear explanation of a biblical worldview and instruction on how to interact with unbiblical worldviews because Christian leaders and parents both expect the other party to deal with difficult discussions.
Godly parents must engage their children in conversations about real-world issues. Rather than simply condemning ungodly behaviors, they must guide their children to Scripture and carefully explain how worldly thinking conflicts with a Biblical worldview. A list of dos and don’ts won’t cut it once they reach the real world. Parents must equip their children to understand the why. As worldly messages continue to reach younger and younger children, parents must embrace their responsibly to convey Biblical principles and cultivate confidence in God’s Word from infancy onward.
Third, parents must pray fervently. While parents ought to strategically train their children to combat unbiblical ideologies, they cannot control their children’s hearts. Ultimately, each child must choose if he or she will experience true and personal faith in Christ and choose the truth of God’s Word or will embrace unbiblical ideologies. Parents cannot rely solely on their own knowledge and experience, but must instead entrust their children’s hearts to the Lord, knowing He is the only one who can transform their hearts. Many children have been drawn to a vibrant faith in Christ through the faithful prayers of their parents.
So, this week, we wish to encourage all parents. While your role as fathers and mothers may at times feel mundane and exhausting with little return for your labor, it is vital—it is biblical! The intentional, consistent teaching of God’s Word can reap tremendous results both now and in the long run. Now, more than ever, parents must strategically prepare their children to engage with a God-opposing culture and must demonstrate vibrant personal faith, engage in difficult conversations, and pray without ceasing.
For Wisconsin Family Council, this is Julaine Appling commending all parents seeking to raise their children to love the Lord, and reminding you that God, through the prophet Hosea, said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Haylee Lawver