Mission Venture Ministries

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) 

This verse acts as a cornerstone for biblical parenting advice, emphasizing the responsibility of parents to intentionally shape their children’s character and values from an early age. 

Raising godly kids in an ungodly world is not impossible but it takes love, persistence and discipline. 

In today’s world economy trying to raise godly kids can feel at times like and impossible task. Everywhere we turn in our culture, on television, in movies, and now through sexual education in elementary schools, our kids are being told to embrace and accept the abnormal and unbiblical morality as simply a matter of personal choice. 

Consequently, what does every young person need? They need to understand the difference between world morality and godly behavior. The true ways that is taught in the Bible versus false behavior as taught thru world secularism.

Throughout history, every society that abandons the concept of a moral standard decays into depravity and eventual destruction. So, how do you raise children with a biblical moral compass in a culture that has normalized the abnormal? How do we teach our children that the words of Jesus are the standard for living, and not the mind-set of our culture? 

First, talk about the teachings of Jesus regularly. Family devotions and time together are wonderful especially when we look for unplanned opportunities to bring up the words and practices of Jesus as a part of everyday life. We need to use Jesus’ methods, who taught, “You have heard it said, but I say to you…” (Matthew 5:21, 33. 38, 43) when pointing out how our culture is often in direct contrast with the ways of Jesus. 

Therefore, blending the practices of the kingdom into everyday life is the parents’ responsibility to train their children (see Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Ephesians 6:4). So we encourage you to take your God-given role as a parent seriously. 

Second, talk about cultural issues with your children. Of course, your conversation with a six- year-old will be different than a talk with your teenager. But you must develop a connection of conversation  within your family. This is achieved over time, and it is created by having intentional discussions about what your kids are seeing and hearing in our broken world. 

When doing this listen intently and ask them a lot of questions for instance: 

• What did you think about what we observed in the park today?

• How did you feel when that man said  _________ to that woman? What do you think Jesus would want you to do in a similar situation?

• Ask clarifying questions such as, so, what did you mean when you said…?

• Furthermore, don’t put down your child with a negative reaction. What? How could you think that?! 

Learning the art of asking God centered questions is a skill that takes time and forethought. Keep in mind; it’s always important to genuinely listen to your kids when you ask a question.

Practice the effective communication tool of mirroring back what you think you heard. For instant: “So, are you saying?” “Is that what you mean?” If your child feels heard, it will go a long way toward building the open relationship you want. 

Remember that godly kids are not perfect. Therefore, be careful to teach grace and truth by abstaining from using belittling answers in a cruel or hateful way. Teach your children the way of mercy toward others by showing them how, while helping them to learn how to be unbending in their convictions. Becoming like Jesus is always the objective. So, help your child learn how to hold on to truth without shunning or shaming. 

Proverbs 22:6 approach is consistent throughout scripture. For example, Deuteronomy 6:6–7 instructs parents to impress God’s commandments on their children daily, making faith an integral part of family life. It resonates with Ephesians 6:4, “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” and reinforces the biblical mandate for parents to instruct, discipline, and nurture children within a loving relationship. 

In summary, biblical parenting is marked by intentionality, setting boundaries, teaching God’s word, and leading by example, all of which echo the principle set forth in Proverbs 22:6, which provides a foundational blueprint for parenting, urging parents to combine intentional instruction, loving guidance, and reliance on God’s wisdom to nurture their children in faith and character. 

Always remember that the Lord has promised to give us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us to eternal life (2 Peter 1:3). Although each child is unique and individual circumstances vary greatly, God has promised that His Word is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). 

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