Biblical Parenting: A Sacred Stewardship
- Johann Pretorius
- Mar 5
- 5 min read
Parenting Is a Sacred Calling
Parenting is not merely a phase of life — it is a holy calling from God. Children are not accidental additions to a household, but gifts entrusted to us by the Lord Himself.
As Christians, we therefore have a responsibility before God to be faithful stewards of our children by raising them in His way.
Why?
1. Children as a Gift from the LORD
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a gift of Yahweh,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
This truth produces humility and gratitude. Your child ultimately belongs to the Lord. You are a steward of this inheritance, and the family order was instituted by the Lord Himself.
Hoe can you apply this?
• Intentionally thank the Lord for each child.
• Remember: your child is not your project, but God’s creation.
• Regularly pray that the Lord will give you wisdom to handle this inheritance rightly.
2. The Heart of Parenting: The Word in the Parent’s Heart
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall teach them diligently to your sons…”
Notice the order: First in your heart — then in your child’s heart.
Application:
• Your greatest influence is not technique, but your walk with God.
• If you do not live under the authority of the Word yourself, your discipline will be hollow.
• Parenting begins with personal sanctification.
3. Loving Discipline — What Is It?
Proverbs 13:24
“He who holds back his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”
Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.” (LSB)
Scripture acknowledges the reality of sin in a child’s heart. Discipline is not cruelty; it is love that corrects.
Guidelines:
• Discipline must be calm, purposeful, and without anger.
• Discipline must be followed by instruction.
• Discipline must always be accompanied by assurance of love.
• Share the gospel in moments of correction.
Remember: discipline is not for releasing your frustration, but for leading your child to the Lord.
When does it become frustration? When you are at your breaking point or beginning to lose control.
At this point, ask yourself:
Are you disciplining in love — or are you sinning in anger?
Ephesians 6:4 warns us not to provoke our children to anger.
Training — What Does It Mean?
“Train up a child according to his way,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Training is not mere instruction. It is intentional, structured guidance that shapes and sets a child on a defined path — the Lord’s way.
It requires early, deliberate instruction, ensuring that your child understands what is being taught.
Spiritual formation must begin early.
The home is the primary arena of discipleship (cf. Deut. 6:6–9).
The goal is not outward conformity, but heart-level fear of the Lord.
Remember, this is a proverb, not an unconditional covenant promise. But, it is still God’s word and wisdom, which He revealed to us in His lovingkindness and provision. Remember that:
• Proverbs are general truths describing how life ordinarily works under God’s moral order.
• They are not absolute guarantees but,
• Deeply ingrained instruction forms conscience and worldview.
4. Fathers and Mothers Under Authority
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Fathers are specifically addressed as the spiritual leaders in the home.
How can you apply this?
• Do not be harsh or unjust.
• There is a difference between childishness and curiosity — but the child must still obey.
• Scripture teaches that order is established by God, and parents are called to protect, lead, and love their children.
• Discipline is love, and its purpose is ultimately to prepare the child to trust God Himself.
Do not be inconsistent. Speak once. First time obedience protects both of you:
• The child, because boundaries are clear (a child will always test boundaries).
• The parent, because you can use each moment as instruction and as an opportunity to share the gospel.
If you respond in anger because this is the third time you have had to address the issue, you will hardly reflect the righteous and gracious Father-heart of God to your children.
5. The Gospel as the Goal
The goal of parenting is not merely obedient children, but children who recognize their need for a Savior.
Psalm 51:4
“Against You, You only, I have sinned…”
Teach your child:
• Sin is first and foremost against God.
• Forgiveness is only possible by grace.
• True change comes from a new heart.
We as parents cannot produce regeneration — that is God’s work. God saves our children by His sovereign grace — not because of our performance — and often through faithful parental obedience to His Word.
Even your best effort is not sufficient. But parents can and should be faithful in the ministry of the Word to their children, for they are our inheritance from the Lord.
Even today, when I sin and my children are aware of it, I confess it to them. For example, I will say: I sinned against God when I called the man who would not let me merge in traffic a fool.
I confess that I first sinned against God by disregarding Matthew 5:22, which says:
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court… and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” (LSB)
Because they witnessed the incident, I openly acknowledge my sin before God in their presence.
I teach them Proverbs 28:13–14:
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”
So when you deal with sin in your childs life, when you discipline them, ask probing questions:
• What were you thinking when you did this?
• What were you hoping to achieve?
Help expose their hearts to themselves. Aim for them to examine their own motives and recognize sin.
Ask them why they would want to conceal sin when forgiveness is available?
Remind them that God sees the heart. Nothing is hidden from Him (cf. 1 Peter 3:4).
How foolish it is to try to hide sin from an omniscient God.
Ask them if they have ever whispered a quick prayer when they were afraid of the dark. Do they think God heard that silent, wordless prayer? Of course He did — because God knows the heart.
Remember:
Parenting brings joy and exhaustion. You will make mistakes. You will sometimes feel discouraged.
But remember:
• God is gracious toward weak parents.
• His grace is greater than your failures.
• He even uses your repentance to teach your children humility.
• God saves our children despite us — even despite our best efforts. We do this not to manipulate God, but because those who are already saved desire to be found faithful as parents.
Pray daily:
• For wisdom (James 1:5).
• For self-control.
• For your child’s salvation.
• For perseverance.
Closing Thought
The family remains a creational ordinance (Gen 1–2).
Parenting is a long road of faithfulness. You often sow in tears before you reap in joy. But the Lord sees. And He honors faithfulness to His Word.
Ensure as far possible that your home is a place where:
• God’s Word is central,
• love is visible,
• and Christ is exalted.
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Today, may you:
Trust His sovereign care.
Obey His command to let train your children in a Godly way
Renew your mind with His Word.
Remain close to your church family.
If you don’t know the Savior like you should, we would love to give you a biblical counseling session at Truth Alone Bible Church.
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