Deep in every parent’s soul is an ache and a deep desire for their children to know God. To not suffer in this world. To be successful. To be happy. But from the moment we are given our precious children, there is a battle for their souls that will have an impact on their ability to live their one life well.
Parents come alongside their Creator to guide our children and lead them, but each child will have to choose to not just follow our legacy, but to create and live their own legacy, too.
The surrounding culture beckons us all to live and leave a legacy for our own glory, but it is the legacy of godliness that endures.
Disciplined Life
Our children will not follow where we do not lead. Living a disciplined life enables us to not just talk about wise godly principles, but to intentionally live these principles out and set boundaries in our lives that protect and guide us to live in such a way that we don’t set a stumbling block before our own children.
Faithfulness
Training our children in righteousness is not just for our children. Parents are instructed even as they instruct. Children can tell when we don’t live out what we preach. The act of faithfulness to guide and protect them takes endurance and faithfulness on our part. Consistency in their instruction is paramount to help them defeat the world’s lies. Will we faithfully teach them not just about principles to make it in this world, but to live well and faithfully to God in this fallen world?
Integrity and Character
Being the same person in public as we are in the home helps our children to do the same. Character is not an image of who we are. It is who we are.
Accountability
When parents are accountable to others and to a degree their children, seeking to live above approach, this teaches accountability as a lifestyle.
Student of God’s Word
Studying and discussing the word of God daily in our home lays an immovable foundation and a place of refuge for our children. The word of God removes the deception from the worldly influence all around us and frees us from the bondage of sin as we apply it to our lives.
Prayer
“Prayer turns ordinary parents into prophets who shape the destinies of their children, grandchildren, and every generation that follows.” —Mark Batterson
A parent’s prayers for their children can change the direction of their children’s lives. Persevere in prayer for your children. Don’t give up. God doesn’t.
Godliness cannot be purchased. It is not achieved by swallowing a pill. It is lived out moment by moment as we live according to God’s word. And our children are the benefactors who inherit the benefits of parents who seek to live a godly life. The legacy of godly parenting literally shapes the hearts and minds of our children so they can, in turn, shape the hearts and minds of their children.
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, ESV).
Yours for a Thriving Legacy,
Jeff Rogers
