In the movie ‘The Unbreakable Boy’, a couple raised two sons, one with special needs and one able bodied. They taught their younger son to protect his older brother and placed great value on family relationships. They modeled that all people are precious in God’s eyes and worthy of love, no matter their differences.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Raising godly children requires more than Sunday School lessons—it takes intentional teaching and modeling Christ at home. Kids notice when our actions don’t match our words, so we must live out our faith before them.

Austin, despite his challenges, showed joy, forgiveness, and resilience. His positive attitude influenced his school, his family, and even inspired his father to become more grateful. This was the fruit of parents who persevered and instilled godly values at home.

Parents, don’t leave your children’s upbringing to teachers, babysitters, or society. God calls us to teach them His ways and model His love—shaping them to impact the world for His glory. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for the gift of parents. Before there were apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, there were parents. Before Messiah came to earth, there were parents. Thank You for my parents and my grandparents. Give me wisdom for what this means, “Parents are the pride of their children.” I pray that I would bring my children joy by revealing Your Fatherhood to them. I pray that they would forgive me for my failures as a parent. I pray that they would remember the prayers, the blessings, the Bible verses, and the other things I endeavored to teach them about Your kingdom. I pray that they would walk in Your ways all the days of their lives. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

As you interact with children, be mindful to build up the other parent if they are your own, and to honor the parents of other children in their eyes. There are multiple practical and biblical ways to do this in truth and love, with the ultimate purpose of turning the hearts of all to the Heavenly Father.