Scripture teaches that the greatest priority for every child is to know and love God.
Parents are called to shape character, wisdom, and faith before academics.
Academic study is important but must remain a tool—not an idol.
A child’s lifelong foundation comes from what parents model as the true priority.
1️⃣ Introduction
Modern culture often equates a child’s future with academic performance.
But Scripture presents a radically different order: faith → character → wisdom → learning.
Parents must therefore understand God’s priorities to guide their child rightly.
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation
📖 Deuteronomy 6:5–7
ESV
“You shall love the LORD your God… You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
Summary Sentence
Parents must teach children to love God above all.
Word Study
- Hebrew: שָׁנַן (shanan)
- Pronunciation: sha-nan
- Meaning: “to sharpen, to impress repeatedly”
- Explanation: Indicates continuous shaping of the child’s heart.
📖 Proverbs 22:6
ESV
“Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Summary Sentence
Biblical training establishes a God-centered direction for the child.
Word Study
- Hebrew: חָנַךְ (chanak)
- Pronunciation: kha-nak
- Meaning: “to dedicate, initiate, set a direction”
- Explanation: Parenting is directional, not merely informational.
📖 Ephesians 6:4
ESV
“…bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Summary Sentence
Christian parenting focuses on forming character and faith first.
Word Study
- Greek: παιδεία (paideia)
- Pronunciation: pie-day-a
- Meaning: “training, discipline, formation”
- Explanation: A holistic shaping of character and faith.
3️⃣ Misconceptions vs Biblical Truth
| Misconception | Biblical Truth | Related Passage (Full Text Included) |
|---|---|---|
| Grades define the child’s future | The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge | Proverbs 1:7 (full verse) |
| More studying guarantees success | True success is faith + wisdom + character | Psalm 1 (entire psalm) |
| Academics can overshadow faith | Faith must always come first | Deut. 6:5–7 (full text) |
| Achievement equals identity | God sees the heart above performance | 1 Samuel 16:7 (full verse) |
4️⃣ Theological Insights
John MacArthur
“Parents must lead their children to know and fear God above all.”
(Source: The Fulfilled Family)
R.C. Sproul
“No education is meaningful unless it begins with the knowledge of God.”
(Source: The Holiness of God)
John Piper
“Parents must show their children that God is their highest joy.”
(Source: Desiring God)
Jonathan Edwards
“Directing a child’s heart toward God is one of the most sacred duties of a parent.”
(Source: Sermons on Children)
Westminster Shorter Catechism Q1
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
5️⃣ Practical Application
1. Establish Faith Over Academics as the Family’s Real Priority
Children sense, absorb, and internalize the priorities their parents live out—not the ones they merely say.
When worship, devotion, and character consistently come before study, the child learns that God—not achievement—is the true anchor of life.
2. Teach the Biblical Order: Identity → Character → Wisdom → Learning
If a child’s identity is secure in Christ, they can pursue academics without fear or pride.
This produces emotional resilience, humility, and purpose-driven learning.
3. Adapt Academic Expectations to the Child’s God-given Design
Not all children thrive under the same academic load.
Wise Christian parenting discerns temperament, strengths, pace, and interests, rather than forcing conformity to cultural pressure.
4. Model What You Want Your Child to Become
Children imitate parents in emotional regulation, conflict resolution, worship habits, and attitudes toward work.
Your life is the curriculum your child reads every day.
5. Frame Academic Study as Stewardship, Not an Idol
Teach children that learning is a gift and responsibility from God.
Study diligently, but never as a replacement for faith or worship.
6️⃣ Conclusion
“Raising a child is first about forming their faith and character; academics are tools to serve that God-centered life.”
7️⃣ Links
www.revito.co.kr
www.gty.org
www.ligonier.org
www.desiringgod.org
8️⃣ Hashtags
#ChristianParenting #ChildDiscipleship #BiblicalParenting #ParentingWisdom #FaithAndEducation
