Raising a Daughter to Know and Love Christ
As Christian parents, we pray for our daughter’s salvation and spiritual growth from a young age. We invest time and effort into teaching her about God’s love and guiding her towards a personal relationship with Jesus. But what does it mean to “grow in godliness,” and how can we encourage our daughter to cultivate this growth in her own life?
Setting the Standard for Maturity
In Ephesians 4:13-16, the apostle Paul calls believers to strive for growth in godliness “until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” As parents, we must help our daughter understand that her aim for maturity should be based on the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” This means teaching her to sit at the feet of Jesus, humbly learning from Him, and seeking to conform to His image.
Regular Reminders of Spiritual Growth
It’s essential to regularly remind our daughter that the goal of growing her faith is to continually grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Pet. 3:18). We must also teach her to discern between true spiritual growth and superficial measures of spirituality, such as church attendance or listening to Christian music. Genuine spiritual growth produces heart change and observable fruit, as described in Matthew 7:16-17.
Nourishing Spiritual Roots
As parents, we can nourish our daughter’s spiritual roots by teaching her to prioritize Scripture, prayer, corporate worship, and fellowship with the body of Christ. By doing so, we help her develop a strong foundation for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Jeremiah 17:7-8 reminds us that those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by water, with roots that go deep and bear fruit even in times of drought.
Clearing the Path to Growth
If our daughter’s spiritual growth is hindered, we can help by clearing the path to growth. This may involve removing obstacles such as busyness, boredom, or lack of direction. By prioritizing Bible reading, sabbath rest, and Christian fellowship, we create space for her to grow in her faith. Additionally, encouraging her to seek accountability with a trusted Christian friend or mentor can provide valuable support.
Practical Lessons for Teen Girls
Through practical lessons and applications, young girls can learn to apply God’s Word to the challenges of the teen years. By laying the foundation for growth in maturity, we set them up for a lifetime of spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
Drawing Out Deep Thoughts and Feelings
To draw out the deep thoughts and feelings inside our daughter’s heart, we must develop the quiet compassion and humility of Jesus. By asking questions, listening attentively, and engaging with her answers, we create a safe and supportive environment for her to open up. This requires patience, selflessness, and a willingness to earn her trust.
Finding Rest in Jesus
When the good work of raising our daughter feels burdensome or too difficult to carry, we must find rest in Jesus. He invites us to come to Him, promising to give us rest and ease our burdens (Matt. 11:28-30). By trusting in His strength and provision, we can navigate the challenges of parenting with confidence and hope.
Defining Feminine Strength
As parents, we must be intentional about defining feminine strength in a way that aligns with biblical values. Rather than promoting a worldly version of strength, we should encourage our daughter to develop a strength that is rooted in Christ. This means teaching her to depend on God’s power, trust in His goodness, and seek to glorify Him in all she does.
Raising a Daughter in the Fear and Admonition of the Lord
Raising a daughter in the fear and admonition of the Lord is not an easy calling, but it is a noble one. By praying for her salvation, planting seeds of faith, and tirelessly watering with the Word, we labor towards an eternal kingdom. May we find rest in Jesus, trusting in His strength and provision as we navigate the challenges of parenting.
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