Why I Raise My Children With God

There was a popular article written by a mother and shared recently on CNN. It was entitled: "Why I Raise My Children Without God". The essay consisted of seven main points, and so in the next seven entries of my blog I will use Scripture to counter-argue these points, explaining why I raise my children with God.

God is a perfect Heavenly Father and role model. He is just and fair, and does no wrong.

"He is the Rock;

His deeds are perfect.

Everything He does is just and fair.

He is a faithful God 

who does no wrong;

how just and upright He is."

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT)

The writer's first charge against God stated He is a bad parent and role model. Her argument was based on her opinion that God doesn't guide His children. However, God is not at all like that. God is our God forever and ever, and He will guide us until we die.

"For that is what God is like.

He is our God forever and ever,

and He will guide us until we die."

Psalm 48:14 (NLT)

How does God guide His children? He guides us through His Word. All Scripture is inspired by God. It is useful to teach us what is true and right, and correct us when we are wrong.

"All Scripture is inspired by God

and is useful to teach us

what is true

and to make us realize

what is wrong in our lives.

It corrects us when we are wrong

and teaches us to do what is right."

2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

God also has given us a Teacher, His Holy Spirit, that comes to reside in each of us when we give our hearts to Him. The Holy Spirit is our companion. He is God and He is with us where ever we go, teaching us everything, and reminding us of everything we have been told.

"But when the Father sends the Advocate

as my representative--

that is, the Holy Spirit--

He will teach you everything 

and will remind you of everything 

I have told you."

John 14:26 (NLT)

However, for any of us to have guidance from our Heavenly Father, we must first become a child of His by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, and then give honour to His Word by reading, trusting and obeying it.

"Trust in the Lord 

with all Your heart;

do not depend on

your own understanding.

Seek His will 

in all you do, 

and He will show you

which path to take."

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

God will show us which path to take if we trust Him with all our heart and seek His will in all we do. We must not rely on our own understanding because our understanding is so limited.