Parenting is tough and can often feel like a thankless job. As a parent, your job is to raise your children to be respectful, obedient, and good. However, parents often wonder if they are raising their children in the best possible way for them to become successful adults.

I remember when I had my first child, I’d find myself up feeding in the middle of the night concerned that I wasn’t doing enough or that I wasn’t going to be able to teach my child everything she would need to prepare her for life. It took some time but I’ve come to realize that my job as a parent is to show my children what it means to be a follower of Christ, not to be perfect.

Point is, instead of raising your children to be good, consider teaching them to be godly. Godly children are naturally good. Christian parenting starts with you, and it can be both an exciting and challenging task. Raising children as a godly parent means teaching them the values found in the scripture.

As you grow on your journey toward godly parenting, here are some characteristics you want to develop.

Characteristics of a Godly Parent 

What does it mean to be a Godly parent? Defining characteristics of a godly mother or of good parents in general can help you nurture godly kids. Here are some character traits you will want to strive to develop as a godly mother. When you feel like your journey towards reaching your goal is becoming too difficult, remember God’s words.

“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)

A Godly Parent Is Constantly Improving

Even though the Bible says we are created in God’s image, it does not mean we have inherited the Almighty’s knowledge and character.

Godly parents know they must continue improving in every aspect of their lives. They are not afraid or ashamed to ask for help from their community and God. They develop relationships and find resources to help them grow into godly parents. As a Christian parent, you are willing to look for solutions to help your personal growth.

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities… for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 

A Godly Parent Lives a Grace-Based Life

Living in grace does not imply being a perfect parent. Instead, your goal is to include the Gospel teachings in your family’s daily lives. You are raising children who need grace in their lives, just as much as you. You are not focusing on laying down rules for your children to follow but are building strong relationships with your children.

Parents living in grace admit they are not perfect. They do not have all the answers and ask for God’s assistance in all of their daily activities.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

A Godly Parent Strives to Emulate God 

Godly parenting is based on an understanding of God as your Holy Father. Your children will form their views of God in relation to their parents’ behavior. While children most often look to their fathers as examples. Godly mothers can also be role models for their children. This means a godly mother is a woman that wants what God wants. He wants us as parents to do what god has established, trusting in god’s way.

Children with kind, loving, and patient parents will view God as having the same characteristics. The opposite applies when parents are unreasonable, demanding, and argumentative.

God gives parents a blueprint of the ideal relationship. His example is found in the way he treats parents (his children). Parents will never become as perfect as God, but this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t continue striving to constantly improve. As godly parents, your goal is to continually strive to be more like God.

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Proverbs 3: 11-12

A Godly Parent Stays True To Their Identity 

Throughout your life, you will wear several different hats. These include being a sister or brother, mom or dad, daughter or son, friend, companion, and your various job titles. These are only a few examples of who you may be to others.

Even though these titles may describe who you are to others, only the banner given to you by God remains constant. This is the title that speaks God’s truth. On your journey to becoming a godly parent, you want to remember the word of the Lord.

“You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me.” Psalm 60:4-5

A Godly Parent Relies on Their Community 

To be the godly parent their children deserve often takes help from their community. Whether it is a family with two parents or a godly mother, your community is vital to raising godly children. Train your children to work in their lives to contribute to the community. Every family, even those with younger children have the opportunity of teaching children to cultivate life skills and be a steward of their blessings.

Your community sets examples for your children, and parents find support, encouragement, and the power of prayer from others.

Forming authentic relationships with a faith-based community allows parents to confess their struggles and be held accountable for their actions. Remember, only God is perfect. You are only striving to live by his example.

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” First John 1:7

A Godly Parent Only Speaks Truth

 As a godly parent, you understand your words have the power to build your children up or tear them down. You strive every day to use your words wisely. Your words should build others up, especially your children, family, and friends.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16-17

Final Thoughts

Becoming a godly parent is a continual task. You want to teach your children by example and this means accepting you are not perfect. You must follow the scriptures and set an example for your children to follow. You will want to remember you are not alone in this task. Your community is here to offer support and God is always walking beside you.