Having Faith for the Next Generation

7/25/24 – 07/31/24

Believing God for Your Family

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  07/27/24

The very first step to becoming a godly parent is to accept Christ as your Savior. If you have never asked Him to come into your heart and forgive your sins, then you will not know how to meet your children’s needs effectively. The Lord is the one who has given us the privilege of raising children, and in order to tap into His mind for wisdom to successfully fulfill this responsibility, you have to have a personal relationship with Him.

The second step to becoming a godly parent is to depend on God to live a holy and Christlike life. Children are great imitators. If we have a sincere walk of faith, they will follow our lead. Let your love for your children be rooted in your love for God. It is only to the degree that you love the Lord that you will be able to show your love to your children and other family members.

The third step is to be humble. Your children need to recognize the fact that you are the head of the household. However, they also need to know you make mistakes, too, and when you do, you are not slow in seeking God’s forgiveness. When your child hears you praying, his or her life is changed. Suddenly, he realizes Mom or Dad’s faith is in God and nothing else.

Make sure you find time to praise God for your salvation, His provision for your family, and the wisdom He gives each day. Thank Him for His blessings and protection. Pray for a spirit of gratitude so your children will learn to have grateful hearts instead of being consumed with their personal wants and desires.

Prayer: Lord, I know there are times when I forget to thank You for all You have done. Forgive my ingratitude and teach me to be grateful for the love You have shown to my family and myself. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19).