Parenting with Purpose: Nurturing Your Child’s Faith

KIDSFAMILIESPARENTING
Written By View Church

Pastor Reed Sowell

Parenting is a journey filled with joys, challenges, and countless life lessons. Whether you're a parent with young children, teenagers, or even adult children, the role of a parent is one that continually evolves. It's a journey that requires intentionality, love, and a deep commitment to nurturing your children's faith. In this blog post based on Pastor Reed’s Sunday morning message, we'll explore valuable insights from the story of Hannah and her son Samuel in 1 Samuel, emphasizing the importance of parenting with purpose. Click the link above for the full message.

Building Spiritual Foundations

The story of Hannah, found in 1 Samuel 1, is a testament to the power of prayer and spiritual intentionality in parenting. Hannah, who initially struggled with infertility, turned to God in fervent prayer. She made a heartfelt vow that if God would grant her a son, she would dedicate him to serve the Lord. God answered her prayer, and she named her son Samuel, meaning "heard by God."

1 Samuel 1: 27-28 - “I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there.

The story of Hannah is a story of obedience and faith. Hannah faithfully handed her son, Samuel over to the Lord. She didn’t do it through obligation, and she didn’t do it out of neglect. She did it out of an act of worship and stewardship. She was intentional in the way she viewed her role as a mother.

As parents, one of the most important roles we are given in our kids’ lives, is the role of spiritual advisor. Our kids learn how to eat from us, they learn manners from us, and they learn about God from us. Unfortunately, many of us want to believe this will happen naturally if we go to church or put worship music on in the car. But our kids need more than an hour of Sunday school a week to get to know the God who loves them, has a plan for them, and desires a relationship with them.

It is understandable that so many parents struggle in leading their kids spiritually because many times, parents are trying their hardest to figure it all out at the same time. That’s where the church comes in to help you navigate how to navigate spirituality with your family.

Here’s a short Spiritual Intentionality Checklist that might help you in identifying where you can start modeling a relationship with Jesus with your kids:

  • Prayer: Are you regularly praying for your children and teaching them to pray? Praying aloud, even if it is just a short prayer before a long drive, can teach kids about relying on God as our protector. It shows that God is a part of our life in all circumstances. Prayer is a powerful tool for nurturing their faith.

  • Worship: Does worship play a role in your home beyond Sunday services? Engaging in worship as a family can deepen your children's connection with God. Make certain days of the week “worship only” days where kids get to put together a worship playlist, or the family forgoes morning cartoons for worship.

  • Scripture: Do you read the Bible, and do your children see you doing so? Reading and discussing the Bible together can instill lasting spiritual values. If you read at a different time, consider reading a verse together every morning or a couple days a week (maybe even align that day with your worship-only days) and see what your kids say about that verse? They can have some fun responses! It’s not about getting it perfectly right, it’s about engaging with God’s Word, learning, and growing together.

  • Spiritual Alignment: Are you and your spouse spiritually aligned? Ensuring both parents are on the same page in terms of spiritual values is essential for effective parenting. If you haven’t already, have a conversation about what your expectations are as far as attending church, praying, and reading the Bible. These are such valuable conversations to have before and after you have kids!

In a world where spiritual battles are real, nurturing your child's relationship with God equips them to face life's challenges.

Releasing Your Child to God

Hannah's story teaches us the importance of releasing our children to God. She entrusted her son, Samuel, to serve in the temple under the guidance of Eli. This act of releasing her child to God may seem difficult, but it underscores the acknowledgment that our children are ultimately God's creation and under His care. This is not easy! The act of releasing our kids to God is placing our whole heart in God’s hand. Then, walking it out and not grabbing for control again is even harder!

Releasing Your Child to God Includes:

  • Trust: Trust that your child's life is in God's hands, even when it's difficult to let go.

  • A Safe Space: Ensure that your home is a safe place for your child to return to, regardless of their mistakes or choices.

  • Spiritual Foundation: Build a strong spiritual foundation in your child, so they carry it with them throughout life.

Psalm 121:8 - “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”

Releasing your child to God doesn't mean you stop parenting; it means you recognize that they are ultimately under God's care. As parents, we stand with God in the spiritual battles our children face.

Parenting: Discipline, Structure, and Unconditional Love

Effective parenting also involves discipline and structure. Proverbs 13:24 (NLT) reminds us that refusing to correct our children is refusing to love them. Discipline and structure are essential aspects of parenting, teaching our children right from wrong and helping them grow responsibly.

Parenting with Discipline and Structure:

  • Say "No": Sometimes, a simple "no" is the most effective form of discipline. Remember, you’re the parent, they are the kid, telling your kids no also helps them learn how to say no as well.

  • Safety and Boundaries: Providing structure ensures that your child feels safe and understands boundaries. In his book, Boundaries with Kids, Dr. Henry Cloud encourages that “Children raised with good boundaries learn that they are not only responsible for their lives, but also free to live their lives any way they choose, as long as they take responsibility for their choices. For the responsible adult, the sky is the limit.”

  • Consistent Love: Discipline should be rooted in love, always seeking the child's best interests. Ephesians 6:4 (NLT) instructs fathers not to exasperate their children but to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. This emphasizes the importance of constructive discipline that builds up and trains our children.

Creating a Safe Haven

Another crucial aspect of parenting is creating a safe home for our children to return to, no matter the circumstances. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that our homes should be places of forgiveness, love, and acceptance. When our children make mistakes, they should know they have a safe haven in their family.

Creating a Safe Haven at Home:

  • Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication with your children.

  • Forgiveness: Emphasize the importance of forgiveness and second chances. Colossians 3:13 (NLT) reminds us that we need to “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

  • Unconditional Love: Let your children know that your love for them is unconditional. Avoid saying the phrase, “I love you, but…” God’s love is unconditional, and we are to model His love as best as we can. We will definitely mess up at times, but when we mess up, we know the Father still wraps us up in His arms, so do the same for your kids.

Parenting with Purpose: Final Thoughts

As we navigate the imperfect journey of parenting, let's remember that none of us have it all figured out. We all make mistakes, but God's grace is sufficient. Let's lean on His wisdom and seek His guidance as we raise our children, knowing that our purpose as parents is to point our children toward Him.

In this journey of parenting, you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way.

Further Reading:

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