Raising our Children for God

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”

Psalm 127:1-4


A man made a phone call the other day to a home where a little boy answered the phone. There was a soft whispered “hello.” The man said, “Is your mom there?” “She’s busy,” replied the boy. “Well, is your father there?” “He’s busy too.” The man persisted, “Is there anyone else there?” The boy replied, “Yes. There is a fireman and a policeman.” “Can I speak to them?” “They’re busy.” Frustrated, the man said, “What is everyone doing?” The boy paused and whispered, “Looking for me.”

God gives us many gifts in this life, and He desires that we would be wise stewards. There is no greater gift, no greater stewardship in our lives, than our children. Admittedly, raising children in these days is an incredible challenge. When it comes to the subject of children, the Bible has some very clear instructions. God tells us how we should raise our children and how we can help them cultivate a heart for Him.

God’s will for every parent is that we would help our children reach their full spiritual potential. Over the next few days we will see ways we can help our children reach their full potential. Today we will see that God desires for us to express our love to our children as we raise them for the Lord.

First of all, we must express our love to them verbally. Our children need to know that they have our unconditional love and acceptance. First Thessalonians 2:7–8 says, “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” Paul expressed his love to the church! Our children need to hear that we love them. They need to hear they are special to God. We must verbally express our love to them each day.

We must also express our love to them personally. Luke 18:16 says, “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Christ shows us that He cherishes little children! He often described great faith as a childlike faith.

In order for our children to know of our love for them, we must personally spend time with them. They must not only hear of our love, but also see our love for them through our actions. A recent study showed that fathers have 2.7 encounters daily with kids for less than 60 seconds each. This is not enough time to personally mentor and love our children! We must spend time showing our love to them each day.

How is your relationship with your children? Are you taking time each day to verbally and personally show your love to them? God desires that we would raise our children for Him and to do that, we must show our love for them. Ask God now to help you show your children how much you love them. Look for ways today to verbally and personally convey your love to your children.