5 Characteristics of a Godly Parent by Kristy Angelee

To parent is a tough job - whether one is a Believer or not. Good parents often question whether they are raising their children in the best manner possible in order for them to grow into successful adults.

Sometimes we overcomplicate and overanalyze parenting as Christians instead of leaning into scripture and the tools God has already given us in His Word. Deuteronomy 11:18-20 gives us the "how-to" on establishing a home where God is the focus:

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates..."
// Deuteronomy 11:18-20

Now that we have established 'how,' an earnest thought still afflicts my mind: Am I capable of being a good mother? Do I have the correct characteristics? I may propose to you that there are layers to godly parenting. Since there are things about parenting that are objective, there are character traits that are unique to your home that are not shared in every home, because of the needs, concerns, and destinies of our children, and our purpose as a parent to our children is diverse.

We often feel the inadequacies of parenting surface due to the lack of representation in our home, community, or environment that has provided us with a model or structure to follow. God's word is never failing to be a great source of help in times of parenting troubles.

"Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!"

// Romans 15:13

Are you overwhelmed by this intruder that comes to make you fold instead of rising to the occasion and becoming the model parent, spiritual mentor, and overall example of a single-parent family after God's own heart? Let us go after the heart of God as a parent. His heart for us says, "God himself will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Psalms 115:14-15)

Here are five traits that will set you and your children on a path to success.

1. Fear of the Lord

Respect, reverence, and worship are the key ingredients to fearing the Lord.

Joseph said, "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"

2. Stewards of Financial Chances

To steward means to look after a person, place, thing, or even idea. In this case, we are to be stewards of financial chances. We are to look after what we have been entrusted with. To look after means to make sure we are making wise decisions with the finances we are given.

3. Cultivating God-Inspired Relationships

Don't you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? We should pray for God-inspired relationships that will bring Him glory.

I love the story of Daniel and his friends. Once we have those God-inspired relationships, those cultivated friendships, like Jonathan and David, will grow a deeper bond. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."

4. Respect for you as a Parent

Show your child that you are worthy of respect as a parent. I hear a lot of single parents who abandon their parental role because they fear they will not be successful. Or, they feel their life as a single woman has ended and therefore they try to live in those moments as a single woman instead of embracing their season and acknowledging the grace God has supplied to be not only a single parent but a single woman as well. Teach your children to respect Mommy time. You need those outlets to recuperate and let your hair down as well.

5. Respect for your Children

Little humans need to know that their thoughts, emotions, purpose, and passions are important. Your child also needs those moments to relax and let their hair down.

"Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!" (Romans 15:13)

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Meet The Author

Kristy Angelee

Kristy Angelee is an inspirational speaker, author, businesswoman, and personal chef who balances career, ministry, and family. She is redefining what it means to be a modern single mom of faith. She has a passion for empowering single moms to overcome obstacles. Whether through her book, business, or coaching, she delivers transformational messages that are powerful and empowers not only single moms but every people, nation, tribe, and tongue seeking to reclaim their life with Christ. Connect with Kristy on her Facebook page!

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