“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3

Last week, I emphasized the importance of knowing the principles of God’s Word if you hope to raise your children well, so that, in time, they will establish their own homes and live godly, productive lives for His glory. Never forget: the strength of your home will rise or fall on one simple reality- how closely you follow the principles of Scripture.

There are four critical questions every parent must answer in the child-rearing process. In Part 1, we considered the first two:

Do you know where you are going? Do you know how to get there? Today, we turn to the final two questions that are just as essential, and perhaps even more urgent.

3. Do You Know What You’re Up Against?

In a perfect world, you could eat whatever you want, set your own tax rate, enjoy exercise without pain, and keep a full head of hair forever. But we don’t live in a perfect world. We live in a fallen one- broken, distorted, and under the influence of the evil one.

The world presents itself as a playground, but in reality, it is a battleground.

As a parent, you must understand the forces working against you. The broader culture is not neutral toward your faith; it is often openly hostile. The world is no more a friend of grace today than it was two thousand years ago when it crucified our Lord.

Consider the influences shaping your children:

Music often promotes messages that directly contradict biblical truth.

Television and entertainment regularly normalize what Scripture condemns, subtly conditioning young minds to accept sin as standard. At one time, studies showed that immoral content appeared every few minutes in prime-time programming, with portrayals of premarital relationships vastly outnumbering those within marriage.

The internet places an entire world of corruption just a few clicks away.

Education systems frequently promote values rooted in a secular worldview rather than biblical truth. As William Kilpatrick observed in Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right from Wrong:

“For students it has meant wholesale confusion about moral values; learning to question values they have scarcely acquired, unlearning values taught at home, and concluding that questions of right and wrong are always merely subjective.”

Dad, as the point man in your home, you cannot afford to be unaware. You are responsible for guarding your children, not only physically, but spiritually and mentally, from the constant barrage of influences seeking to shape their beliefs and values.

4. Do You Know Who’s On Your Side?

Let me say this plainly: the church is the last and best hope for the future of the American family.

Over the years, I have seen firsthand the damage caused by inconsistent Christian living- especially when it comes to church involvement. One large evangelical church reported that the number one concern among their children’s ministry workers was the inconsistency of parents in attending services. That inconsistency speaks volumes. It quietly teaches children that God is not a priority and that church is optional.

But who, apart from the church, will help reinforce the biblical convictions you are trying to instill at home? Who will come alongside you to strengthen what you are building?

Church attendance should never be treated as optional for children living under your authority. To place that decision in their hands too early is to surrender a responsibility God has given to you.

So, Dad, let me ask you again: Do you know where you’re going? Do you know how to get there? Do you know what you’re up against? And do you know who’s on your side?

Take heart- God stands with the father who is committed to leading his family in godliness. The task is not easy, but it is eternally worthwhile. And you can be sure of this: the Lord honors those who honor Him.