Before you listen to forty-two seconds of three-year old Sophie singing “Jesus Loves Me” in 2019, I recommend you schedule an appointment with your dentist first. Instant cavities. We recorded this sweet moment one night at bedtime where Sophie began to sing one of the songs so often sang to her.

As a parent, I’m constantly amazed at how ill-equipped we are to raise children. I can barely make brownies from a kit. Think about it; for an undetermined amount of years, parents are to provide and model the correct mixture of love, discipline, wisdom, silliness, physical protection, emotional stability, and…there was one other thing. Oh, food. That one is important.

As a Christian parent, though, I take great comfort in the truth that “greater is He who lives in me than he who lives in the world” (1 John 4:4) which includes access to the wisdom and strength to raise our children “in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6).

What goals do my wife and I have for parenting? “Keeping the tiny humans alive” is obviously a top priority. Beyond that, we genuinely want our children to love Jesus and love the people He loves. Which sports or activities to play, college major, romantic relationships and everything else falls second to that heartfelt desire for our children.

On April 18, 2021, Sophie made the best decision of her life and asked Jesus to be her personal savior and friend.

While we have failed too often to remember, we have settled into one simple principle and two routines that have provided the grace and margin for God to work in our children’s lives. I pray even one of these could be useful to you and invite you to leave a comment if you have advice to share with our family!

Mom & Dad: Jesus Comes Before Each Other and Your Children

That may sound absolutely insane and counter cultural, because it is. The greatest gift you can give your family is making your personal relationship with Jesus Christ the most important one in your life. All other relationships will flourish as a result and you will be setting an example. If you have not made the decision to become a Christian yet, pop over to my page called “Jesus & Words” to read about His love for you.

Take Every Opportunity to Praise the Lord Together

Our family loves music and a dance party could break out at any moment. We believe that when the psalmist wrote “let us praise the Lord together” (34:3), there was lots of volume and bass involved. I’m from Miami and my wife is a singer who was “born from a boombox,” there was no chance music wouldn’t play a major role in the culture of our family. Naturally, our children both enjoy music and we celebrate the Lord together as often as possible. Pay special attention to what the culture and interest of your family is and ask the Lord to use it. Are you readers? Into team sports? Hikers? Artists? Ask the Lord for the wisdom to find opportunities to praise Him together.

Create Opportunities to Gather Around God’s Word (the Bible)

Sophie’s decision to ask Jesus into her life as savior and friend came during a routine nightly devotional that was gifted to us by a friend, is age appropriate and brief. We do not spend hours preparing or force her to memorize verses, although there is a place for both. Our devotional time is centered on building relationship, open conversation and the truth that God’s Word (the Bible) “will always produce fruit” (Isaiah 55:11). God’s Word will always accomplish what God wants it to, so create the time and opportunity to speak the life-giving words of Scripture over your children.

Mom or dad, I’d love to pray for you and the little ones God has entrusted to you.

Father, thank you for your perfect love towards us and the ones we love. Thank you for passionately pursuing a personal relationship with us and chasing after the hearts of our children. Father, we take you at your Word that we can ask for wisdom and you give it abundantly. Help us to love you deeply and model the lifestyle our children should go – towards you. Remove the stress and fear from parenting, give us the confidence to trust your perfect love and plans for the lives of our children!

Father, would you encourage and equip those parents who’s children are far from you and have become discouraged. Remind them of the depths of your patient love. Give these parents the strength to pray without ceasing.

In Jesus’ name, amen! Let it be so!