How To Bring Up Children
How to Bring Up Children
Bro Kha Khin Hon (Bro Han)| 20 July 2025 | Ephesians 6:4
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
In a fast-changing world where values are constantly shifting, Christian parents are called to raise children who will remain faithful to God. It is not easy — but it is possible. The Bible holds clear, timeless guidance on how to nurture and build up children who will walk with Christ.
Children Are a Heritage from the Lord
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” — Psalm 127:3–5
Children are a reward, not a burden. Like arrows in a warrior’s hand, they must be shaped and aimed with purpose. We are not owners, but stewards, entrusted by God to guide them towards His ways.
Step 1 : Train Them in the Way They Should Go
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
Training takes intentionality, effort, and consistency — just like athletic training.
Badminton players don’t become great by accident — they go through intense, repeated training. Likewise, parenting requires:
Direction
Reinforcement
Modelling
Correction (Consequences)
But what is “the way”? It’s more than just academic or career success. While there's nothing wrong with wanting your children to do well in school, get good jobs, and start families, the ultimate goal is to raise disciples of Christ.
Raising faithful followers of Jesus must be the core of our parenting.
Many churches share the same concern — children growing up and departing from the faith. That’s why our focus must be on loving God and following Him, not just outward achievements.
Step 2 : As parents, Be a Godly Role Model
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1
“The genuine faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” — 2 Timothy 1:5
Children watch more than they listen.
If you want them to love the Bible, they must see you reading it.
If you want them to pray, be kind, and go to church — they must see you doing it first.
Timothy didn’t become a man of God by accident. It was because of the faith of his mother and grandmother, lived out day by day.
Godliness at home leaves a generational legacy.
Bro Han shared that there was no rebellion in his family, because the pattern was consistent — midweek Bible study, Sunday worship — modelled and expected.
Step 3 : Build a Christ-Centred Home
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
The world offers many paths, but we must choose whom our home will serve. A Christ-centred home is one where:
God is honoured
Prayer is normal
Church is a priority
Forgiveness is practiced
King David gave this instruction to his son Solomon:
“Know the God of your father and serve Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind…” — 1 Chronicles 28:9
“Do not fear… for the Lord God will be with you.” — 1 Chronicles 28:20
Even though Solomon had free will, his father instilled in him the importance of knowing and serving God.
We must do the same.
Know God
“Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?” — Pharaoh, Exodus 5:2
Because Pharaoh did not know God, it led to devastation — “There was not a house where there was not one dead.” — Exodus 12:30–31
Contrast that with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When threatened by King Nebuchadnezzar to worship a false god or be thrown into the furnace, they refused.
“Who is the god who will deliver you?” — Daniel 3:15
After their deliverance, the king declared:
“Blessed be the God… who sent His angel and delivered His servants!” — Daniel 3:28
These young men knew God — and because they did, they stood strong under pressure.
Another example — Hosea 4:6 warns:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
In today’s tech-driven world, many children grow up knowing more about their phones than about their Creator.
We must bring them back to the knowledge of God.
Knowing God Means Obeying God
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” — 1 John 2:3
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God.” — John 17:3
Anyone can say they know God. But true knowledge of God is revealed in obedience.
The Apostle Paul said:
“That I may know Him… and the power of His resurrection…” — Philippians 3:7–11
Knowing God is not about head knowledge — it is about transformation and daily surrender.
Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” — John 11:25
Serve God — and Choose Him
“You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him…” — Deuteronomy 6:13
“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me...” — John 12:26
“You cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24
Serving God requires a willing heart and loyal mind.
Teach your children early that life is about service to God, not just self or success.
Sadly, the Bible shows us the outcome when people choose otherwise:
“They say to God, ‘Depart from us… what profit do we have if we pray to Him?’” — Job 21:14–15
When people forget God, their hearts are darkened, and they exchange God’s glory for idols (Romans 1:20–23).
Train, Teach, and Lead by Example
“From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures…” — 2 Timothy 3:15
“Know the God of your father, and serve Him…” — 1 Chronicles 28:9
Parenting is not easy — but God is with you.
He gives you His Word, His Spirit, and His wisdom.
You won’t get it perfect — but with God’s help, you can get it right.
Choose the narrow way. Walk with Christ. Raise your children to do the same.
Key Takeaways:
Children are a reward — not a burden
Training must be intentional and Christ-focused
Your example matters more than your words
Build a home where God is loved, served, and worshipped
Teach them to know God — and the cost of not knowing Him
Obedience shows true relationship with Christ
God honours those who serve Him faithfully
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
God always gives us a choice. Choose Him.
