Raising Faithful Kids in a Culture That’s Lost Its Way

Raising faithful kids in a culture that’s lost its way can feel overwhelming—but it’s not impossible. This article offers real-life encouragement and biblical wisdom for parents who want to ground their children in truth, model authentic faith, and trust God with the outcome. Even in a shifting world, your home can reflect God’s unchanging love and grace.

 

When Renee and I found out we were expecting our first child in 2006, we knew the kind of home we wanted to raise him in. One that was rooted in faith. Since our faith and relationship with God are foundational, it was a given that we would raise our children with Christian values and biblical truth.

Because of our supportive families and friends, we didn’t expect this to be difficult.

But the world has changed.

From a young age, our oldest son, Hayden, has shown a deep love for Jesus. So, it didn’t surprise us when at 14 years old he felt a calling to serve the Lord in some type of ministerial capacity. (You can read more in my article, “The Faith of a Son.”) Though Hayden has since shifted his career goals, his faith still grounds him. And watching his walk with God has brought us immense joy. As the Apostle John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4 NKJV).

Yet raising children in today’s culture isn’t easy. Truth is often blurred, and morals are mocked. But God’s Word hasn’t changed. It offers the clarity, strength, and direction we need to raise kids who live faithfully in a world that often doesn’t.

Here are five practical, biblical tips for raising kids who walk and talk with Christ daily.

Biblical Parenting Tips

1. Ground Them in Truth

One of my favorite verses is John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (NKJV). If you take a moment to really think about what those nine words really mean, you may be astounded just like I was. There is so much power in that statement.

Truth is not based on personal feelings or opinions, but rather fact … and the fact that Jesus embodies truth. If children are introduced to Jesus and the importance of living their lives based on God’s Word, we will start to see them walk in truth.

This doesn’t require hours of study. It means consistent exposure to God’s Word and creating habits of prayer, even in simple moments. Although the culture may change and fads may come and go, God’s truth is constant. When our children fully understand this, they will be able to stand firm no matter the circumstances.

2. Discipline with Love, Not Shame

As a father, I want my boys to do their best. When they fail despite trying, I try not to discipline them. Instead, I try to help them learn. But if they didn’t study and weren’t prepared, I hold them accountable.

Hayden and Liam both know that there are expectations and boundaries we have for most situations, and their actions (or, in some cases, lack of action) have consequences. But the most important thing to me is that they learn that when they mess up or fail, Renee and I will always love them. And that will never change.

Discipline should reflect God’s model of loving correction and not angry control.

“Do not despise the Lord’s instruction … for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 4:11-12 CSB).

In a world where correction is often criticized, loving and faithful discipline stands out. It reflects God’s heart and shapes children who understand both grace and truth.

3. Lead by Example

John Maxwell said, “People may teach what they know, but they reproduce what they are.” Your actions speak louder than your words and they are an example to your children. If your kids are like mine, they watch us and copy our actions more than they listen to us.

That’s why I strive—imperfectly but intentionally—to set the best example of living out my faith. It’s something I’m constantly working on, and it’s something I’ll continue to work on for as long as I’m alive. It’s also why Joshua’s declaration in Joshua 24 resonates so deeply with me:

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (v. 14 NKJV).

In a world full of distractions, temptations, and dangers, many people think of their home as their safe haven. A place where love abounds, acceptance reigns free, and servitude to the Lord is a way of life. Of course, that starts with parents. Children are quick to spot inconsistencies between what we say and what we do.

• • If we want them to value God’s Word, we need to value it ourselves.
  • If we want them to get into the habit of prayer, they need to hear us pray.
  • If we want them to walk in God’s truth, we must demonstrate what that means through our actions.

This doesn’t require perfection. In fact, being honest about our struggles and how we turn to God in those moments can have a great impact on their own spiritual journey. They will realize that even in their darkest and most vulnerable moments, they can fully rely on God because they’ve witnessed us do the same.

4. Make Faith a Priority

I love the fact that my boys wear their faith so openly and are so willing to discuss it, not only with us but with friends, family members, other adult role models, and even strangers. It’s a topic we’ve never shied away from. Whether we’re discussing the meaning of a parable found in Luke’s Gospel, that Sunday’s sermon, a trivia question about Moses and the Israelites’ escape from Egypt, or a Christian song, faith is and will always be a thread you’ll find winding through the fabric of our lives. It’s not a topic we only discuss on Sunday.

It’s a priority and a part of who we are. Even in a busy household with teenagers, we try to make time for shared prayers, open conversations about answered (and unanswered) prayers, and honest faith discussions. As Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says:

“You shall teach [God’s words] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Ask your children what they’re learning about God and invite their questions. Be a safe space for their doubts. And let them know they’re not alone. You’re right beside them, as is their Savior.

Faith is all about your relationship with God, and the more your home reflects that relationship, the more likely it is to have a lasting impact on your children.

5. Trust God with the Results

No matter what we do as parents, how much we pour into our children, or how much we try to set a godly example for our children, we’re not perfect nor are our children. But God is faithful, and we can trust Him to do what we can’t.

Parenting isn’t about perfection or control. It’s about:

• • Loving them unconditionally
  • Planting seeds
  • Modeling grace
  • Preparing them for tomorrow
  • Trusting God with the harvest.

In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul reminds us:

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (6:9 ESV).

We may often wonder if we’ve done enough or if our efforts have made a difference, but we must remember that the seeds we plant today may bloom and bear fruit tomorrow. Although we may not see immediate results, our love, faithfulness, and prayers matter more than we know.

God is working in your children’s lives even if you can’t see it.

The Reward of Godly Parenting

Raising Christ-centered kids in a broken world isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. With God by your side, your home can be a place where truth is taught, love is lived, and faith is passed on.

And one day, by God’s grace, you too may echo the words of John in his third letter:

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (1:4 NKJV).

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