By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

For many parents, the start of the school year is the most wonderful time of the year. Summer is over and parents are off the hook to find ways to keep their kids entertained all day long. In reality, though, a new school year means new challenges for the family.

Parents may work full time and may or may not have a long commute. Children participate in extracurricular activities, some of which may require rides to and from practices and games. And if you have multiple children involved in multiple activities then your family calendar is especially full!

But the challenges go beyond not having enough time in the day. Your children may be starting at a new school this year. They may face bullies. They’re growing up and making decisions that could affect their futures. As a parent, you have a responsibility to raise your children to make sound decisions, to be confident in themselves, and to know their value as God’s children. I know that sounds scary but I promise, with God in your corner, you will be the best parent you can be.

So, let’s look at four scripture verses that you might find comforting and helpful as your kids start a new school year.

Somebody’s Watching You

One of the best ways to teach your children Christian values is to lead by example. If they see you loving God and loving your neighbor then they are more likely to do the same. Setting an example of Christian living shouldn’t be difficult. You’re probably already doing it and doing it well. That doesn’t mean a reminder isn’t helpful.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart; and 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 up.

Read your Bible in the living room. Talk about Jesus at breakfast. Pray in front of your children. Listen to worship music in the car. There are many ways to incorporate your relationship with Jesus into your everyday life so that your children witness it. Those little moments add up. They provide a foundation for your children to emulate as they build their own personal relationships with Jesus. That is the most important lesson your children will ever learn, and they won’t learn it in a secular classroom. Yes, many teachers are patient and kind and exhibit Christ-like qualities, but they only spend so much time with your children. It’s up to you to keep Jesus at the forefront of your children’s hearts and minds.

Titus 2:7-8 – In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.

You are your child’s first teacher. Instructing them on God’s commands and telling them how to live Godly lives is important but seeing you put your faith in action is the best way for them to learn. Though we have separation of church and state in America, and religion isn’t always allowed in public schools, your children can still take Jesus with them into the classroom. Treating their teachers and classmates with kindness and respect is their way of being the hands and feet of Jesus, and they can learn this by watching your example. Little eyes and little ears pick up everything you do. By your example, your children will learn how to speak with love. They will know to turn to Jesus when making decisions, seeking His counsel and listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit. They will care for the poor, pray for their enemies, and love their neighbors because you showed them how.

You Made Me a Believer

The Book of Proverbs is full of wisdom you can turn to when life gets challenging. While Proverbs weren’t necessarily written for parents of twenty-first-century school children, there is still truth and knowledge to be gleaned from these passages. Read these verses when you need a reminder that you aren’t merely raising children. You are raising the next generation of believers.

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go,
    and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Math and science, language arts and social studies, these are important subjects for your children to learn. But their education should not be limited to secular topics. They also need to learn about Jesus, and not just from their Sunday School teachers. What they learn about the Lord today will follow them the rest of their lives. One day, they will teach those same lessons about Jesus to their children. Think about your parents and what they taught you about Christ. Didn’t they instill in you lessons about love and grace and mercy and redemption, lessons you are now passing down to their grandchildren? We don’t forget what we are taught when we are young. It stays with us as we grow. It’s important to pay attention to what you teach your children, and to keep Jesus at the heart of it.

Proverbs 9:9 – Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser.
    Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning.

Do you not thirst to know Christ? It stands to reason that your children are also thirsty. Every Christian should thirst for the Living Water that only Jesus provides. As a parent, you can partner with Christ to help fill your child’s cup. The more you teach them about Jesus, the more they will want to learn about Him. Eventually their cups will overflow! But you have to be intentional about teaching your children. One way to do this is by increasing your own learning. Make time for personal devotions and Bible study. I know that sounds easier said than done, but maybe you could listen to a Bible study podcast while your kids are at soccer practice. After the kids go to bed, you could take a few minutes to sit with God in prayer. Pour in to yourself first and then Jesus will work through you to teach your children.

It Begins and Ends with Christ

It’s a big responsibility to raise a child. You want to keep them safe and encourage them to make good choices. But you are not always there to guide them. You must trust that their teachers, coaches, and classmates will steer them in the right direction. You also need to have faith that you have instilled in them spiritual truth and a love for Jesus. That is the most important job you have as a Christian parent, to teach your children about the Savior.

Remember, God partners with you in the raising of children. You’re not on your own. The Lord softens hearts and answers prayers. The Holy Spirit whispers in our minds and guides us to follow the right paths. Yes, your children may still make mistakes (as will you), but you can be confident in your ability as a parent that you have done your best as long as you include God in the process.

All scripture verses are quoted from the World English Bible, public domain.