Being a good parent is way more than providing food. Although, as a parent of a teenage boy who plays football, I know it takes a lot of food to keep him alive and well. Parenting is more than shelter, clothing, and education. It is about shaping a spiritual foundation for our kids. That is why it is often said this is the most challenging job in the world. We are not just raising kids. As Christian parents, we are trying to train disciples. In Deuteronomy 6, Moses calls on the Hebrew parents to take God’s commands and “teach them diligently to your children,” weaving God’s Word into everyday life. If you are at home, walking along the way, lying down at night, or getting up in the morning, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, take a moment to focus on God’s will. In other words, faith is not meant to be compartmentalized into Sunday mornings and or Wednesday nights. It is meant to be LIVED and MODELED daily.
The reality is, our children are always watching. They see what we see as important. They notice how we treat people, how we handle stress, and how seriously we take our walk with God. Passing on faith does not happen by accident. We have to do it on purpose. We have to be intentional with our conversations. We must be consistent examples and provide daily reminders that the Lord is at the center of all that we do and say.
Passing on our faith begins with living it authentically. When our children see us pray, worship, and obey God—not perfectly, but genuinely—they learn that faith is real and worth holding onto.
Here’s a parenting challenge application:
This week, look for one everyday moment to talk to your children about Jesus naturally. It might be when you are taking them to school, eating dinner, or winding down before bed. Share a scripture together, talk about how God has helped you that day, and pray together about the big and small things that are going on in your lives. Small consistent moments like these leave a lasting impression and help faith take root.
Blessings!
Alex Mills