Father's Day 2025: Successful Parenting

Introduction:

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Parenting is a divine assignment that shapes the future of our children and, ultimately, society. To raise children successfully, we must guide them holistically—spiritually, morally, emotionally, relationally, physically, vocationally, and financially.

The Bible offers wisdom in each of these areas, equipping us to nurture well-rounded individuals who honor God.

1. Spirituality: Teaching Faith and Godliness

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV) – “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”

Faith is the foundation of life. Parents must instill a love for God, prayer, and Scripture in their children so that they develop a strong spiritual identity. A home centered on Christ creates a safe and guiding presence. Every parent has the responsibility of teaching their child who Jesus is, how to be saved, how to learn forgiveness of their sins, and how to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, as well as the importance of growing as a Christian. You have the responsibility of teaching the importance of the word of God.

Teach them how to pray and to serve the Lord. Teach them those things that are spiritual. We want them to be saved early in life, to grow in their Christian life, to be a member of a fellowship of people at church, and to be baptized and to acknowledge their dependence upon the Lord. When the Lord's Supper is served in the church, they are there to participate and to be reminded of the cross and the place Jesus Christ has in their life. That is the most basic principle every single child needs

2. Moral: Instilling Integrity and Righteousness

Scripture: Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Teaching children right from wrong equips them to navigate life with wisdom and integrity. Biblical values such as honesty, humility, and compassion should be lived out in everyday moments.

Children need to understand the importance of honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The biblical moral principle should govern their lives. Teach them the consequences of violating first of all their conscience and violating the word of God.

3. Emotion: Cultivating Emotional Strength and Resilience

Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (NLT) – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Children need emotional support to handle life’s challenges. Parents should create a space for expression, empathy, and encouragement, reminding them that their worth comes from God and not the world.

We also need to teach our children to have self-control and not let their emotions control them. The world has lied to our children by making emotions the determinant of their truth and identity. As a result, many children experience gender transition because they feel uncomfortable with the gender they were born with. Our children need to know that truth is based on God's word, not what they feel. And that their identity is in Christ, not their feelings.

4. Relationship: Building Healthy Connections

Scripture: Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV) – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Family is the first place children learn about relationships. Teach them the values of love, respect, forgiveness, and communication so they can form meaningful bonds with others.

We need to teach our children how to relate to others. Look what's happening in our schools and society today. Road rage and violence are increasing. People scream at others and shoot each other. Many parents didn't teach the worth of the individual and how to relate to others. We need to teach our children how to choose godly friends. The Bible warns that the wrong kind of friendships are ruined by the person who develops them.

Teach your children how to develop relationships not only with other children but also with their parents and other adults. Teach them how to be transparent, open, and helpful. These are essential basic principles. How do we expect children to grow up learning to love someone who will be their husband or wife or to cherish someone else if they don't learn it at home? Or if there is selfishness and self-interest and self-centeredness and pride that permeates that home? How do we expect these children to grow up and be the kind of children we want them to be if we don't teach them?

5. Physical: Caring for Health and Well-being

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you… So glorify God in your body.”

A child’s physical health is essential for their growth and development. Parents must teach the importance of nutrition, exercise, and self-care, reflecting God’s desire for us to steward our bodies.