Why Should I Dedicate My Kids? Намуна

Am I in This Alone? 

Child dedication is an important milestone, but it’s more like a starting line than a finish line. When you, as a parent, make the decision to dedicate your child to God, you are committing to raise them in a God-honoring environment. The truth is, this is not just a one-time decision. It’s a decision you’ll make every single day for the rest of this parenting journey. 

Every day, you have the opportunity to show your kids what it looks like to fall more and more in love with Jesus. And every day, you have the opportunity to lay a building block on the foundation of your child’s faith. 

As parents, we have a tremendous amount of influence over our children. And this is not by accident! It’s God’s intention for parents to hold this very special position in their kid’s lives. At some point, they have to make their faith their own—they must choose to follow Jesus for themselves. But we have the opportunity to show them the love of God each and every day. Our faith can and will inspire faith in our children. 

But remember the saying that goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”? Well, child dedication does not take place in front of friends and family just for the photo ops after the service! Child dedication happens surrounded by community because we are not called to do this in isolation. We can’t! God intends for us to do life together. Not only will He be walking alongside you every step of the way, but He has also placed you in a community that will be with you throughout the journey. The same community that is present at your child's dedication is meant to be present at birthday parties, soccer games, dance recitals, graduations, and weddings! These are the people who will be there for you as a parent on your best and your worst days. And they will join you in being an example of Jesus’ love in the lives of your children. 

Child dedication is more than a one-time ceremony in front of your church family. It’s a daily decision to raise your children in a Christian environment. It’s a constant commitment to encourage your children in their faith walk—a determination to acknowledge the divine purpose and plan that God has for them. Child dedication is the start of a lifelong journey of leading your children to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Prayer:

God, thank You for blessing me with children. Thank You for intentionally choosing me to be their parent. Thank You for the gift of community. I know that You did not intend for me to parent alone. Give me wisdom and discernment as to the right people to allow in my child’s life. Thank You for the purpose you have for my children. Give me the strength to dedicate them to You daily and encourage them in their faith all the days of my life.

Additional Child Dedication Resources