When your child is acting up or being disobedient, it’s easy to quickly and firmly remind them to, “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12).
But, as with all things in the Christian life, God wants more than just words from His children. He calls us to a faith that’s demonstrated through our actions. So if you desire to raise children who honor you, you must first live in a way that produces honor.
Here are five ways to become an honorable parent:
- Receive your children as gifts from the Lord.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” While it may be trendy on social media to complain about your children, God gave them to you as a gift. He’s trusting you to help shape them into His image so they grow to become followers of Jesus who impact future generations for Christ.
- Dedicate your life and your children to God.
God gave you children because He loves and trusts you. And your best response is that of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:27–28, giving yourself and your child back to God. “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked… So now I give him to the Lord.”
- Introduce your children to personal faith early.
Shepherding your child into a relationship with Christ is the greatest gift you can give. So help your children love, honor, and serve God by supporting them, giving them the Scriptures, telling them stories of the Bible, and introducing them to personal faith at the earliest possible age.
- Instruct your children in the way they should go.
No matter which educational system you choose, you are always your child’s primary instructor—especially in the wisdom and in the ways of God. Deuteronomy 6:7 shows you how: “Impress [these commandments] on your 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.”
- Discipline your children with love.
Just as God lovingly disciplines His children—you and me—because He loves us, so we as loving parents are to correct our children. Proverbs 13:24 confirms it, “…the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
So make it your mission to help your children develop a right relationship with the Lord. Because if they love, honor, and serve God, they’re going to love and honor you!
