Unlock the Secret to Raising Joyful, Faithful Kids
As a dad and grandfather myself, I've had those late-night moments wondering if I'm doing this parenting thing right. In a world full of distractions and pressures—especially for our busy families in our Mascoutah community—raising children can feel overwhelming. But what if we turned to God's timeless wisdom? Ephesians 6:4 (ESV) tells us, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse isn't just for dads; it's a call for all of us to nurture our kids in God's love. Today, let's explore how we can do that together as a church family, drawing from Scripture to build strong, faith-filled homes.
Understanding God's Call to Nurture
At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, we believe the Bible is our ultimate guide for life, including parenting. The phrase "nurture and admonition of the Lord" from Ephesians reminds us that raising children isn't about strict rules or perfect performance—it's about fostering growth in a relationship with Jesus. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) says, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." This means creating an environment where faith is lived out daily, not just on Sundays.
Think about it: Our kids watch how we handle stress, forgive others, and seek God in prayer. For families connected to Scott AFB, where deployments and moves add extra challenges, this nurture provides stability. In our ConneXion Bible study groups here in Mascoutah, we've seen parents share stories of how simple acts—like reading Bible stories at bedtime—plant seeds of faith that bloom over time.
Modeling Faith in Everyday Life
One of the most powerful ways we raise children in the Lord's nurture is by example. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV) instructs, "These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them 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." This isn't formal teaching; it's weaving God's truth into the fabric of our days.
As a military-friendly church near Scott AFB, we understand the unique rhythms of base life. Maybe it's praying together before a parent's shift or discussing a Bible verse over dinner. At Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah, part of our First Baptist Church family, we start this early by introducing little ones to God's love through play and stories. It's amazing to see how these foundations help kids navigate big emotions and build resilience.
Discipline with Grace and Instruction
Admonition—or discipline—often gets a bad rap, but in Scripture, it's rooted in love. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) explains, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." The goal isn't punishment; it's guiding our children toward wise choices that honor God.
In practical terms, this means setting boundaries with kindness, explaining why certain behaviors matter, and always pointing back to grace. For instance, when a child makes a mistake, we can use it as a teachable moment: "Remember, Jesus forgives us, and we can learn from this." Our church near Scott Air Force Base offers resources like parenting workshops in our small groups to help you apply this at home.
Building Community Support
No family raises children alone— that's why God gave us the church. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, we're a welcoming Southern Baptist congregation focused on loving God and others. Joining our ConneXion groups or attending community meals in Mascoutah can connect you with other parents walking the same path. For young families, Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah provides a faith-based start, blending education with biblical values.
Practical Ways to Live This Out
Here are some simple steps to bring this into your home:
Daily Devotions: Set aside 10 minutes each morning for family prayer and a short Bible reading. Use apps or children's Bibles to keep it engaging.
Family Discussions: At dinner, ask, "How did you see God's love today?" This builds openness and faith-sharing habits.
Church Involvement: Enroll in Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah for a nurturing start, or join our ConneXion Bible study groups to discuss parenting with others.
Prayer Prompts: Pray specifically for your child's heart—something like, "Lord, help [child's name] grow in Your wisdom and grace."
Friends, raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is a journey of grace, not perfection. God's love covers our shortcomings, and through faith in Christ, we find the strength to guide our kids toward Him. Let's commit to this together—reflect on one Bible verse from today, pray for your family, and take a step like joining a small group. If you're searching for churches in Mascoutah IL or a family church near Scott Air Force Base, we'd love to welcome you at First Baptist Church Mascoutah. Come visit our worship service starting at 10:45 AM, or connect through Lighthouse Preschool. You're not alone; we're in this as one church family. God bless you!
