As parents, we have the important job of raising our kids to be good adults. We have less than a quarter of their lives to lay a foundation that will help them face all the challenges that will come their way when they’re no longer under our roof. And as Christians, there is no better foundation to give them than the Word of God. (Luke 6:47-48)
We must take every opportunity to speak the truth to our kids. That begins first and foremost with the gospel. They need to know why Jesus came and what his death and resurrection accomplished. They need to know it so they can put their faith in Christ for salvation. And they need to know it so they can share it with others.
We need to share the Word of God with them every chance we get. Help them to see that the Bible is full of treasures. Make sure they know that the stories in the Bible are true stories about real people that they can learn from. Teach them to seek the Bible when they need guidance and when they need hope. Show them all the promises God has given that they can cling to when life gets overwhelming.
We must raise them to be people of prayer. Pray with them and pray for them. Show them how to pray for others and teach them to pray on their own. Encourage them to pray when they’re afraid, or sick or don’t know what to do. Remind them to give thanks in prayer at all times. Raise them to know that prayer is a conversation with their Heavenly Father that cannot be neglected.
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 3:14-15
The Apostle Paul’s protege, Timothy, had a strong foundation. It started with what he learned and became convinced of as a young boy from his mother and his grandmother and continued when he received sound teaching that he could hold on to from Paul. When Paul wrote to him to encourage him in his walk with the Lord, he referred to Timothy’s foundation as the “good deposit that was entrusted” to him. (2 Timothy 1:14) I pray that when my children finally leave my nest, they will have the foundation of a good deposit anchored in Jesus and preserved by the power of the Holy Spirit.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his.” – 2 Timothy 2:19
