In Psalm 11:3, David asks, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In answering that question, we have borrowed ten suggestions from Dan Flournoy as to what parents need to teach their children (FortifyYourFaith.org). Change seldom happens overnight. Change is slow. It often requires the passing of generations. This is how we got into our present moral quagmire. It only makes sense that this is how, with the help of God, we rebuild the moral foundations of our society.

Proper instruction of our children must include the fact that they are God’s special creation and, as such, have value and purpose in life. Because such purpose is revealed in the word of God, our children must learn to love the Bible. Accompanying a love for the Bible is respect for authority–the authority of God as well as the authority of all those in whose keeping God has placed his designated authority, including the authority of parents to teach their children the value of discipline. Other things which must be taught by parents include the importance of avoiding bad people, remaining sexually pure, being honest in every relationship, and pursuing a peaceful and happy home-life. Of course, this is a curriculum which is best taught and then reinforced by example.

In addition to all this, parents must teach their children to be faithful in their service to the Lord.
As a general rule, children tend to be as faithful to the Lord as their parents. This is why example is so important in raising children. “Do as I say not as I do” is not a good motto for the Christian home. Paul says that “it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy” (1 Cor. 4:2). When parents neglect the disciplines of worship, Bible study, and prayer, we can expect that these things will have little importance in the lives of their children. Jesus tells us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Mt. 6:33). But, when His kingdom, the church, is regularly given a second place to other things, the consequences are tragic in the future lives of our children.

There are plenty of dangers threatening the spiritual well-being of our children without adding to the list a bad parental example. Change begins with us. We must not become a stumbling block to our children, but a faithful model of practicing a vibrant faith. May God bless each of us to serve Him in a way that brings Him utmost glory.