Christian Parents Must Teach the Hard Things
Raising Children Who Can Stand in a Fallen World
Parents carry a responsibility that no one else can take from them. God commands fathers and mothers to shape their children with truth, courage, and wisdom. This work belongs to the household. It does not belong to the state. It does not belong to schools. It does not belong to peers. It does not even belong primarily to the church gathering.
“And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons…” - Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” - Ephesians 6:4
“He established a testimony in Jacob and set a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children…” - Psalm 78:5
The calling is direct. Parents must teach the hard things.
Sheltering Children Does Not Prepare Them
Protection is a father’s duty, but protection is not the same as hiding reality. Solomon did not hide the world from his son. He trained him to understand it.
He warned him about adultery.
He warned him about wicked companions.
He warned him about violence, greed, rebellion, and seduction.
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” - Proverbs 1:10
“Hear, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path.” - Proverbs 23:19
Solomon named sin plainly and explained its consequences. This is what faithful parents do. They guard their children by instructing them. They prepare them by telling them the truth.
Silence Creates Vulnerability
A child who knows nothing of sin becomes naïve. Scripture calls this the condition of the simple.
“The naive believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps.” - Proverbs 14:15
When parents refuse to teach the nature of evil, they leave a vacuum. The world will fill it. Schools will fill it. Screens will fill it. Friends will fill it. Temptation itself will fill it.
If parents do not disciple their children, the world will. And the world will teach them to love what destroys them.
Covenant Children Must Be Formed for Faithfulness
The children of believers are are covenant heirs. God commands that they be taught so they can stand in a day of testing.
Timothy learned Scripture from childhood.
“And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 3:15
Israel was commanded to explain the meaning of the Passover to every generation.
“And you shall tell your son on that day, saying, ‘It is because of what Yahweh did for me when I came out of Egypt.’” - Exodus 13:8
Judges warns us of the consequences when parents fail.
“There arose another generation after them who did not know Yahweh…” - Judges 2:10
This is what happens when the hard things are not taught. Children drift. Families collapse. A generation rises that does not know the Lord.
Parents Must Speak Plainly About Sin
Children must be taught what rebellion is. They must understand why sin destroys. They must know how temptation works. They must be shown the glory of obedience and the beauty of holiness.
Faithful parents name sin honestly.
They explain its cost.
They prepare their children for a world that hates righteousness.
This is the kind of instruction Scripture requires from parents who understand the stakes of raising covenant children.
Point Them to Christ Above All
Children do not need perfect parents. They need faithful ones. They need fathers and mothers who open Scripture, who speak the truth, who discipline with justice, and who point the household to Christ.
“For Yahweh gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and discernment.” - Proverbs 2:6
The goal is not to raise children who are merely informed. The goal is to raise children who love Christ, fear God, honor righteousness, and stand firm in a world at war with the truth.
A Pastoral Call to Parents
Teach your children the hard things.
Do not hesitate.
Do not wait until the world speaks first.
Do not assume innocence will protect them.
Instruct them. Prepare them. Shape them.
Talk to them about sin and why it destroys.
Talk to them about holiness and why it brings life.
Talk to them about Christ and why He alone can save them.
Parents who teach with clarity give their children strength. Parents who speak with courage give their children sight. Parents who lead with conviction give their children a foundation that will not break.
This is your calling.
This is your covenant duty.
God will give you grace to fulfill it.