Parenting Your Child's Heart -- Not Just Their HeadSample

Good or Godly Parenting

People often say that there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. But I’d argue that they’re wrong. Because, believe it or not, I actually used to be the perfect parent. That is, until July 31st, 2002, when we had our first son.

Sadly, for the first ten years of our parenting, my wife and I were good rule enforcers. Our parenting mindset was all about rules and far less about relationship. Can you relate?

Good parenting is essential for the success of every home. But is there something even better than just “good” parenting? And how can I avoid the subtle trap of focusing on rules (behavior modification) over relationship (heart change)?

Becoming the godly parent your child deserves begins with the recognition that godly children are the result of godly parents. As Christian parents, we're trying to do more than just raise good kids. Godliness is our goal. Because as 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “Godliness is profitable unto all things.”

But the journey of raising godly children is tough because it hinges upon the godliness of the ones doing the raising—the parents.

Like Paul told Timothy in 1 Corinthians 11:1, follow me as I follow Christ. This is a beautiful picture of parenting at its best. As I get closer to Jesus and my children are following my lead, I’m naturally leading them closer to Jesus, too.

As God first changes my heart, he can begin changing my children’s hearts through me. As parents, you and I are God’s agents of heart change in the lives of our children.

This is why in godly, grace-based parenting, your child’s heart, not their behavior, is your goal.

So, do you see the difference between good and godly parenting?

Good parents focus on the rules, expecting them to change their kids. Godly parents shift to focusing on their kids’ hearts by pointing them to Jesus.

Godly Parenting, in a single statement, is all about this: Reaching your child’s heart now so God can have your child’s heart forever.

Prayer: God, prepare my heart to align my parenting with your word so that I can reach my child’s heart both now and forever.

Let’s start with a thought-provoking evaluation tomorrow to find out what becoming a godly parent requires of us.