5 Lessons Christian Parents Must Teach Their Children

by Lisa Kennedy | More from this Blogger

14 Nov 2006 01:42 PM

Parents have a huge responsibility in raising their children. Christian parents have even the greater responsibility of raising their children in the Lord. While there are countless experiences, lessons, and pieces of wisdom which Christian parents must teach to their children, I have chosen five which I think are vitally important to raising children in the Lord. These lessons are necessary for children to make the lifelong decision to serve the Lord when they are older. I plan to write extensively about each of these lessons in the next few blogs I write.

• Christian parents must teach their children that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. In the Bible class I teach, I have been hammering this idea in the past few weeks. At first, it was a little difficult to understand because it is an abstract concept, even for adults, but it is something that can be understood by children at some level. As children grow up they will develop a deeper understanding of the Bible as the Word of God.
• Christian parents must teach their children that the Bible is the ultimate authority and standard. The Bible is truth, and as they grow up, children must realize that it is the standard by which we will all be judged.
• Christian parents must teach their children the importance of dating Christians. Children must first realize that they are going to marry someone they date. Christians should desire to live their life with someone who will help them get to heaven by being an encouragement to them, rather than possibly hinder them.
• Christian parents must teach their children about the importance of the church. The church, Christians, is a beautiful creation from the Lord. I think the concept of "the church" has been lost in today's world because the term "church" is used loosely to mean different things, commonly the building where the church meets.
• Christian parents must teach their children that they are accountable for their actions. Children first must realize that there are consequences for their actions in this life. If a child misbehaves, they must be disciplined. If a child behaves well, they should be rewarded for that behavior. This concept can eventually be developed into the reality that we will all be judged in the last day.

Related Articles:

• From the Standpoint of the Bible
• Five Ways for Kids to Learn About the Bible
• Preparing Children for the Real World

Learn more about Lisa Kennedy

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Valorie Delp (49340) 14 Nov 2006 01:01 PM

I find it interesting that you are writing about what Christians parents should teach their children even though you're not a parent. :-) I found that my ideas changed significantly once I had children. But you've written a good blog. I would not include the part about dating as one of my top 5 though--although it is important and I do agree with you. In its place I would talk about how everyone is under God's authority and/or the idea that God is sovereign and life is not fair. That will come up much earlier than the whole dating/marriage issue will. With that said, dating/marriage and courtship would definitely be in my top 10 list. Looking forward to your other blogs in this topic.

Lisa Kennedy (4068) 14 Nov 2006 03:17 PM

I know, I know . . . it is strange that I am writing about things that I know nothing about! :) I realize that the dating thing is something that will be a topic for older children, but I have seen too many examples of people whose marriages failed, or the individual fell away from the faith because they married someone who wasn't a Christian. I think it is an idea that needs to be instilled in kids before they ever consider dating. Maybe after I do my articles on this, I'll finish it off with another five, for a top ten!

Valorie Delp (49340) 14 Nov 2006 06:39 PM

No. . .I think you're right. It needs to be taught young. It just would be #6 or #7 on my list ;-) We believe strongly in courtship (as opposed to dating--same concept just a different name) and have already told our 7yo and 5yo that they "date" is the one that they marry. We believe very strongly in discussing things like this as they come up. so when they ask about body parts, how babies came to be etc. we always talk about how we believe God says that the order of things should be. You should, by the way, make a point to save your blog and keep it in a scrap book for any children that the Lord might have for you! I'm sure your ideals won't change. . .but you're likely to think of things you never thought of before.

Lisa Kennedy (4068) 14 Nov 2006 09:42 PM

Thank you for your input . . . that is a great idea about the scrapbook! :)

Lisa Kennedy (4068) 15 Nov 2006 08:20 AM

By the way . . . I didn't list these in any particular order . . . these are just five lessons I think that parents must teach their children!