Can Godly Children Still Be Raised in an Ungodly World?
It has been said by many young people that they do not think they should have kids because of the state of the world. In the Lord’s church, we have done a pretty good job of making our brethren aware of the condition of the world. I think we all could do better in assuring our young people that raising godly kids is possible and it's God’s intention for His people.
God commanded it.
In the garden after God created a woman from the flesh of Adam, he said, “And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Gen 1:28). God said this knowing that He created man with free will, which means man could choose to sin. God still told Adam and Eve to have kids. The world was not simply created to be uninhabited. God made the perfect conditions that exist to sustain life.
Examples
The Bible is full of examples of faithful parents raising faithful children in an unfaithful world. So is it possible? Noah lived in a very wicked world. “And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Gen 6:5). Despite the wickedness of the world, Noah’s children were among the eight souls preserved because they chose to get in the ark. Noah preached righteousness (1 Pet 2:5). We can do so also in our homes, even in an ungodly world.
Abraham commanded his household to live righteously, even in a world where the perverse peoples of Sodom and Gomorrah lived alongside his own kinfolk. “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Gen 18:19). Joshua knew it was possible even in a land where idolatry had been and still was to a degree present. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah” (Josh 24:15). Noah, Abraham, Joshua, and all their children had a choice. We, too, have a choice in how to raise godly families in an ungodly world.
It Takes Consistency
We can raise godly families, but it takes consistency on our part. Our kids are quick to find our hypocrisy. They can see when we say one thing and do the other. They will see what the priority in your life is by what you commit to. Sports activities and the like are not necessarily sinful. However, if we choose them over worship and Bible study, our consistency is going to be noted by our kids. If it is okay to miss midweek Bible study for practice, why not miss Sunday worship for the game, the concert, or because our family is in town? Godly children need consistent godly parents.
It Takes the Church
We can raise godly families, but it takes the church. It is simply not good enough to take your children to the assembly; you must be an active part of the church. This does not mean the church is going to parent your child (that is your job). The church is going to be here to support you prayerfully. The church is going to be here to support you in how you teach your children the ways of godliness. The church must encourage young parents in this important task. The church is going to reaffirm the Christian values you teach in your home. We share our faith and our lives together. We want all of our grandparents, parents, and children to go to the same place for eternity, heaven.
God Will Help You Through It
Young parents do not be embarrassed when your baby lets out a cry or your toddler says something a little too loud in worship. It is not shameful that you have to get up several times to calm one down or correct them. The only embarrassing or shameful thing that one could do is forsake the gift of God’s salvation and the opportunity to start your child on the right path in their own life. To be a parent is such an important job and the God who created the Heavens and Earth knows you can do it properly. Just rely on Him and you will do just fine.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
