“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV)

After almost 22 years of parenting my four children, I still find myself asking the same questions at times. Am I too strict? Am I too lenient? What could I do to better protect, teach or guide them? There is no shortage of internal pressure we put on ourselves as moms — plus external pressure we feel from those around us.

Parenting is hard. Comparison can become a habit. But as Christian parents, let’s remember that God calls us not to measure ourselves and our children against the world’s standards but against His. While we all face different circumstances, there's one priority that really matters in our parenting: Making sure our children know who Jesus is.

The Apostle Paul was not a parent, but he was a spiritual mentor to Timothy, a much younger man whom Paul considered to be his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2, NIV). There is an interesting detail in what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-15:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (emphasis added).

While we don’t know exactly what Timothy’s childhood looked like, we know he was taught the Bible from a young age. God’s ways and God’s Word were a priority in his upbringing.

It reminds me of what the English writer and pastor J.C. Ryle wrote in an 1888 sermon: After encouraging parents to teach their kids God’s Truth, he closed by reminding them to train their kids for eternity. This phrase, “train them for eternity,” has both stuck out and stuck with me over the years. Simply put, it’s a reminder to teach and train children for what really matters.

When to-do lists are long and activities are endless, it is easy to get distracted and lose sight of eternity. But if we are raising children, our priority is to diligently and graciously train them to grow up to love God and others. And one of the greatest joys we have, like Timothy’s family had, is to help our kids know the Scriptures.

This is what it means to raise our children right. To guide them, encourage them, and help them see that living for Jesus really is the good life.

Father, give me wisdom, as I raise my child, to remember what matters most in my parenting. Help me to be diligent in teaching them Your Word and Your ways. I trust You with my child, and I surrender the outcome to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Do you want to help your child understand basic theology; discover their unique, God-given gifts; and develop Christlike character? Ruth and Patrick Schwenk’s brand-new book, The Bedtime Family Devotional, is a helpful and hopeful family resource to strengthen your faith as a family. With 90 days of biblically grounded devotions, prayers and action steps, this devotional will not only instill God’s Word in your children’s hearts but will equip them to walk with Jesus for life. Order your copy here.

We all have a story to tell, but knowing how to share what God has done in our lives in a way that will glorify Him and impact the hearts of others can be challenging. That’s why we created “How To Share Your Story,” a free resource to help you overcome your fear of being transparent and vulnerable — our five-step process can help you start writing about the transformation you’ve experienced in a way readers can relate to. Click here to download for free today!

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (NIV).

If you are a parent, how would you describe your current vision for your child or children?

What would it look like for your family to seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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