There are so many articles and books about raising Godly children. It is a life long journey as a parent to raise kind, responsible people. But many people forget that it starts at birth. Actually, it starts before then.
If we truly have a desire to raise Godly children, we must make sure that we ourselves are in a good position to do so. It starts with us. Before we ever find out we are pregnant or are ready to sign adoption papers, we need to make sure our hearts are prepared.
Prepare you heart by loving God fully. He commands us to love Him with all of our heart, all of our mind, and all of our soul. Love Him passionately, consistently, and sacrificially. In doing this, you will naturally be able to love others the way that you should. Be faithful to Him in the small things.
Pray over your family before you have one. Pray over your children before they have been born. Decide what kind of parent you want to be. Start having conversations with your spouse regarding future traditions, discipline, finances, etc.
But what if you don’t have parents? What if you didn’t grow up in a Christian home? Who should you model your parenting style after? God our Father, of course. When you accepted Christ, you became a child of God. He loves you in all of your choices, right and wrong. He loves us without condition. His love is not based on performance, our abilities, gifts, or behaviors. He loves you even when you fail. It is important that our children feel the same way. That no matter what their choices are, what mistakes they may make, they are loved unconditionally. YOU are their safe place. You will love them no matter what.
So, when the day comes that you find out you’re pregnant, the adoption papers are signed, or a child makes it into your life, you will be ready. You will have prepared your heart for this journey. The life long journey of parenthood.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” John 1:4
Megan says
Wise words, something everyone thinking about marriage and having a baby needs to hear.
Lindsey says
Yes! It is hard when you’re not in that season to think about it and start preparing for it. Yet, it is so important to prepare our hearts before we ever have little ones around!