Christian parenting glorifies CHRIST. It glorifies Him by making known who He is and what He is.
- He is LORD. Christian parenting is submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
- He is a giver. He gives His Holy Spirit. Ask God for His anointing to parent your children.
- He is the truth. CHRIST can be used as an acrostic to highlight key findings from George Barna’s research which revealed the practices of parents that raised children who made their faith in God and relationship with Him their highest priority in life and proceeded to live as intentional and devoted servants of God. (Revolutionary Parenting: What the Research Shows Really Works. By George Barna. BarnaBooks. 2007.)
Consistent (and constant)—God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Model that in your values, life priorities, expectations, beliefs, and discipline. Parent as a team and be consistent between mom and dad. Being constant is a form of being consistent.
Holy—Be devoted to God Faith is the most valuable asset you can transfer to your children. Delve into faith matters as a family unit. Resist the cultural and emotional temptations to embrace society’s philosophy. Do what is right, based not on social norms, but upon biblical principles. Protect your children from negative influences in society though such measures as limiting media exposure and assisting the selection of friends.
Relationship—Your relationships with God, your spouse, and your child materially affect your child’s life. The husband/wife relationship establishes a child’s sense of security. A parent’s impact on their children’s lives is proportional to the depth of the relationship they have fostered with them. Relationships are built on trust and constant interaction. Relationships require time together.
Involved—Be involved in your children’s lives. Be more than simply physically present. Maintain a highly responsible role during interactions with your children. Participate in your children’s lives and decisions as parent rather than friend (that will come later when they are your peer).
Steadfast—Be firm and dependable, not easily shaken. Never lose sight of the big picture of what you are striving to develop. Focus without wavering on the quality of your child’s heart and soul in a way that allows both parent and child to mature in tandem.
Tell and be Transparent—Tell your children what God has done and is doing in your life. Answer their questions. Model the principles and behaviors you want your children to adopt. When you blow it, don’t justify it, instead: repent, seek forgiveness, and restore the relationship, that may include making restitution.