Of all the good works God prepared in advance for his people , the work of parenting children is paramount (Eph 2:10). If we do unbelievable feats in ministry or in a profession and do poorly at parenting we have done nothing worth discussing. It has been said, “parenting is hard”.  It demands focus for the long distance and attentiveness for the day to day challenges like running noses, boo boos, fevers and playing. Obviously, there are great parenting guru’s who can talk more about the principles and strategies needed to raise healthy children. Although the principles and strategies the experts teach can be productive for effective parenting, they will never give us all we need for the good work of parenting.

Parenting is a good work which God prepared in advance for us to do, and God promises us he will equip us for all good works. Paul encouraging Timothy in 2nd Timothy 3:16-17  reminds him of the origin and usefulness of scripture. In verse 16 he writes that scripture conveys truth about what to think and how to live. Then in verse 17 Paul writes through this truth we are “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Bible contains the truth we need for life and that truth gives us the tools we need for all good works. The temptation here is to think, “O the bible must be full of parenting advice so I will search it to fix my kid.” The Bible does have great parenting advice, but the equipping we need does not necessarily come by memorizing those parenting principles found in scripture, although that can help.  Instead the equipping we need for the good work of parenting comes through knowing our Father in Heaven and discovering how he parents. It is growing in intimacy with him that we find the equipping for the good work of parenting. In other words, becoming Godly parents is not about knowing the right verses in the bible, but knowing God through the scripture.  The pursuit of God is a long arduous process, but it is well worth the work due to the benefit our children receive.

We learn in Proverbs 14:26 (ESV) fearing and revering the Lord produces two outcomes. The first is strong confidence because we are coming to know the One who watches over us so we are able to move more freely knowing we are safe. The second is about our children and the benefit they receive from our pursuing God. The Proverb reads that our children will have a refuge when we fear or revere the Lord. Fearing God has more to do with knowing him intimately than knowing about him from a distance. When we seek God through his word and through prayer, he reveals his majesty and glory leaving us in awe, astonishment and fear. That attitude towards God creates for our children a place for them to be safe. It produces a shelter from the danger, storms and rain of this world. Our submission to the God of heaven gives our children a safe place to grow emotionally whole and spiritually informed.

Good parents may read parenting books which can be beneficial, but Godly parents will also pursue God through scripture thereby being thoroughly equipped for the good work in the bedroom down the hall.