Raising children in today’s cultural moment requires more than good intentions—it calls for clear conviction, careful discipleship, and deep confidence in God’s design. Scripture teaches not only that God created humanity as male and female, but that this distinction is purposeful and good. Parents are therefore called not merely to acknowledge the reality of two genders, but to raise sons and daughters in ways that align with God’s wise design for boys and girls, forming them into godly men and women.
The principles that follow are offered to further equip parents for this task, helping them cultivate Christlike character, ordered loves, and faithful responsibility in their children. Our aim is not to produce cultural stereotypes or self-made individuals, but sons and daughters who live for the glory of God and the good of others—faithfully embodying their God-given identity in the world God has placed them.
Five Principles for Raising Godly Women
- Anchor Her Identity in Christ, Not in Being Desired
Teach her that God knows and loves her before she is admired by others. Her worth is rooted in belonging to Christ, not in perceived beauty or approval. - Form Wisdom and Discernment Along with Gentleness and Submission
Train her to speak truth with grace and courage. Godliness means glorifying God through speech and action that flows from biblical wisdom, a caring and gentle disposition, and gospel-centered submission. - Teach Her the Beauty of Fruitful Faithfulness
Help her value faithfulness over self-expression. Ordinary obedience to whatever God calls her to bears lasting fruit. - Cultivate Strength of Character Before Independence
Aim for maturity, not autonomy. Form endurance, self-control, hospitality, and sacrificial love through real responsibility. - Model the Gospel So She Learns How Authority Repents
Let her see parents confess sin without excuse and receive forgiveness with joy. A gospel-shaped home teaches her that strength and leadership are not proven by perfection, but by humble repentance, faith, and forgiveness in Christ.
Five Principles for Raising Godly Men
- Teach Him That Strength Is for Service, Not Self
Show him that God-given strength exists to protect, provide, and love—not to dominate or indulge. Help him see that true strength is proven not by power over others, but by faithfulness in serving those God entrusts to his care. - Train Him to Rule Himself Before Leading Others
Self-control in speech, desire, and work prepares him for faithful leadership. A man who learns to submit his heart to Christ is being prepared to lead with wisdom, humility, and restraint. - Form Courage to Take Responsibility When It Is Costly
Teach him to act when obedience is hard and responsibility is heavy. Courage is cultivated as he learns to trust God and obey even when faithfulness means sacrifice. - Call Him to Joyful Responsibility and Productive Work
Give him meaningful work that forms diligence, faithfulness, and gratitude. Through this, he will learn that work is a gift from God and a way to love others. - Frame Manhood by the Cross, Not Cultural Caricatures
Point him to Christ as the measure of true strength—humble, obedient, and sacrificial. The cross teaches him that manhood is marked by laying down one’s life in obedience to the Father and love for others.
By Midwestern Seminary Editorial Staff
