8 Life-Giving Reminders for Christian Parents

1. God chose us.

No one else on this planet holds our particular job. These kids—they are ours, priceless gifts entrusted to us by our all-wise heavenly Father. He knows their hearts better than we ever will. He equips us with everything we need for the ministry of parenting.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3. See also Philippians 4:19 and Hebrews 13:20-21.)

2. Weakness is okay.

It's not perfect parents (if there were such people) who raise Jesus-loving kids. It's needy parents modeling the path to maturity—through ups and downs, continually looking to Jesus for wisdom, strength, and transformation. Our kids can learn to relate to God by watching us walk with Him.

When they see us pray, they understand God welcomes and responds to hearts of faith.

When they observe us loving and prioritizing His Word, they discover the Bible is something worth treasuring.

When they hear us ask for forgiveness and see us make restitution when we fail, they understand how to respond to their own shortcomings.

Our kids will have their own hard seasons to face, just like us. They'll feel inadequate at times, too. As we model an imperfect but intentional life with Christ, they will gain the priceless example of authentic faith—one they can look back on in their own times of need.

"Each time [God] said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT).

3. It's simpler than we make it.

While rules are essential, and it's our job to teach our kids right from wrong, Jesus reminds us God's requirements can be summed up in this way—"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength [and] love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31).

Love God. Love people. Everything else, in parenting and all of life, is peripheral. As we learn from his heart and live from the overflow of our relationship with him, he'll teach us what living in love looks like.

"We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

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4. Relationships take priority.

Jesus is a relational God. He cares more about the condition of our hearts than about measurable results. He wants us to know him, not just do things for him. He cares for our souls as he looks deeper than our behavior to the emotions and needs buried below the surface.

He calls us to do the same for our kids. To value their souls and cultivate our relationship with them. To prioritize discipleship over performance. To model and instruct them in practical aspects of healthy relationships.

As we receive his tender care, we can nurture and build relationships with our kids in similar ways.

"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us" (2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT).

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5. Love works better than fear.

When fear drives our parenting choices, we often end up saying words or making decisions we regret. We act before we pray. We grasp for control rather than resting in God's tender care. First, John reminds us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (4:18).

However, as our ability to trust God's heart grows, our capacity to walk in love deepens and matures so that "the love of Christ controls and compels us…" (2 Corinthians 5:14 AMP).

6. We are followers, too.

Jesus is our example, as well as our source of wisdom, strength, endurance, and everything else we need on our parenting journey. He invites us to know his heart and join him in his work in our homes.

In addition to learning from Scripture and through prayer, we need the wisdom of other parents, too. God designed us to learn from those in various stages and seasons, from different backgrounds and experiences, with unique gifts and perspectives.

This may look like having an official mentor, or it can be gleaned from watching how other families cultivate strong relationships and build healthy homes.

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).

7. Community is essential.

Building a healthy family takes community. As the human body needs all its parts to function well, so parents and kids alike gain support, wisdom, and encouragement from living in community with other Christians. Sharing life helps us bear one another's burdens. It provides opportunities to know and be known. It reminds us that we're part of something much bigger than ourselves.

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT).

8. We give from what's on the inside.

As parents, we spend our days giving, pouring out for those we love. But like nearly empty coffee pots, uncared-for souls have little to offer others. Our bodies need rest. Our souls need silence. Our spirits need space to commune with God.

The one who loves us beckons us to draw close and let him renew our hearts so we can live from the overflow.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly" (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message).

Moms and Dads, our influence in our kids' lives is irreplaceable. We can be the physical expression of Jesus in our homes each and every day. He has called us to this remarkable role, and He's with us every step along the way.