Biblical Answer

Modeling a healthy understanding of biblical authority and submission in front of your children is crucial for their spiritual growth and development. As a parent, you have the opportunity to instill in your children a strong foundation of biblical values and principles. Start by reading Bible stories and using biblical words early and often to infuse godly doctrine and mold their Christian worldview. This will help your child understand the meaning of biblical concepts and principles. Make sure to use open-ended questions to get the conversation started and gauge what they are thinking about biblical truth. You can also use a more direct approach, asking your child to explain how they think they might have contributed to a disagreement or argument, and explaining to them that God says we are to take the obstacle out of our own eyes before we instruct others (Matthew 7:3-5).

As you model a healthy understanding of biblical authority and submission, your children will learn to trust your discernment and realize that you aren't making it up as you go along. They will see that you rely on Scripture and the Holy Spirit to lead you, and this will help them develop a deeper faith that solidifies the biblical principles you want to instill in them. Make sure to use your own positive biblical example and instruction as the principal influence in shaping their beliefs and values. This is a sacred duty all parents have, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:7, where God commands parents to "talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Biblical parenting is not a responsibility that can be handed off to surrogates, but rather a sacred duty that requires your active involvement.

As you raise your children, remember that they are not merely to be raised relative to societal norms or based upon your personal preferences, but rather the standard, grounds, and goal is to know Christ and to live a life that reflects His character and principles. Teach your children to recognize the voice of true authority that comes from you and God's Word, and to seek objective evidence in addition to personal testimony. By doing so, you will be helping them develop a deeper faith and a stronger foundation of biblical values and principles that will guide them throughout their lives. As you model a healthy understanding of biblical authority and submission, you will be equipping your children to live a life that honors God and reflects His love and character.