Christian ParentingSample

The Successful Measure of Faithfulness

As parents, we often measure our success by the outcome we see in our children’s lives. We want them to embrace faith in Christ and walk in His ways. However, we must remember that the result does not solely determine our success in parenting. It is not defined by whether our children come to faith or deviate from the path we’ve shown them. The accurate measure of success lies in our faithful obedience as parents.

Raising children in a godly manner demands that we live out our faith with passion and dedication before them. Yet, even in homes where godliness reigns, some children may not accept Jesus as their Lord. Conversely, children raised in challenging environments can experience the transformative power of God’s grace. We cannot use the salvations or lack thereof as the benchmark for successful parenting. Salvation is from the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 is often quoted as a guarantee of a child’s lifelong adherence to the faith: “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Yet, it is crucial to understand that Proverbs are not explicit promises but general truths. While raising children in a particular way often yields consistent results, it does not assure the salvation of every child. Our children’s waywardness may reveal areas for reflection and growth, but we cannot guarantee their spiritual journey. We must pray for their conversion, model a vibrant Christian life, teach them the gospel, and communicate our deepest desire for their relationship with God.

Let us not allow external influences like television, radio, or peer relationships to shape our children’s lives, nor relinquish our responsibility and expect the church to raise them. Our children are entrusted to us by God, and the task at hand, though daunting, is not complex. It is simple yet requires genuine devotion and adherence to the principles set forth.

Recommit yourselves to biblical parenting. Pray earnestly for your children, engaging with them in new ways. By doing so, we can anticipate a revival within our homes, the growth of a purer church, and the outpouring of God’s blessings like never before. Remember, dear parents, you are qualified because God chose you for this noble task. Embrace it wholeheartedly and strive to fulfill it well with all your energy. The measure of your success in parenting is not solely dependent on your children’s choices but on your faithfulness to God’s calling to raise them. Let us rise to the challenge, knowing that as we fulfill our roles faithfully, God will be at work in our lives and our children’s lives, accomplishing His divine purposes through us.

This devotional was based on a sermon by Richard Caldwell. To listen to this sermon and an episode of the Straight Truth Podcast related to this message, visit our website https://straighttruth.net/does-proper-parenting-guarantee-godly-children/