Godly and Wise
If you’re a parent or a parent-figure, you know that raising children can be one of the greatest joys you ever experience, and one of the biggest challenges you face. And if you’re a follower of Christ, you likely feel an added burden to make sure your kids grow up to know and love God.
In Proverbs 23:24, the author points out that joy in parenting comes when our children are two things: godly and wise. So, how do we help our kids become more like Jesus and develop the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life?
While there are different ways, here are two to start with...
Find a Christ-centered community:
As a parent, you’ll need to surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus so you’re not alone when raising kids gets challenging. If you don’t have that today, commit to taking the next step in that direction—join a small group, get connected at church, or invite like-minded friends over for dinner.
Teach kids to ask for help:
Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, chances are high that they love being independent. “I can do it myself” might be one of the most common phrases you hear.
It's easy to think that developing wisdom comes from doing it all on our own, but James 1:5 reminds us that God will give us wisdom when we ask Him for it. The best way to help our kids develop wisdom is to point them to the source of wisdom.
Model what it looks like to seek help from God by praying with your kids—even if it’s uncomfortable.
Parenting is difficult, but it can also be rewarding. So as you commit to the daily challenges and joys of taking care of kids, remember this:
The greatest contribution you make to the world might not actually be what you do, but who you raise.
Before you leave this devotional, reflect on this: What’s one thing I can do today to help point the kids in my life toward Jesus?
Parenting with a focus on raising godly and wise children is truly a journey filled with both challenges and profound rewards. In my experience, one of the most impactful steps is consistently demonstrating faith in everyday life. Children absorb much more from what they see us do than from what we say — so modeling prayer, seeking wisdom from God openly, and sharing personal stories of faith can profoundly influence their spiritual growth. Another important aspect is encouraging children to express their doubts and questions about faith. Creating a safe space where they feel comfortable discussing what they believe, or struggle to understand, helps deepen their wisdom and connection with God. This open communication fosters trust and shows them that faith is a dynamic, living relationship rather than a set of rules. I also found that involving children in service activities within a Christ-centered community not only strengthens their character but also helps them see the real-world impact of living out godly wisdom. Whether it’s volunteering at church events or participating in outreach programs, these experiences teach empathy, responsibility, and the blessings of serving others. Finally, leaning on Scripture like James 1:5 reminds us and our kids that asking God for wisdom is a powerful practice. Teaching children to pray for guidance when they face decisions empowers them with spiritual tools that will last their whole lives. This faith-based foundation is crucial in helping them become the godly and wise individuals Proverbs speaks of, bringing joy to parents and glory to God alike.
