Title: Shared Responsibility in Parenting.

Scripture Foundation

- Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  

- Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  

- Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Reflection

Parenting has shifted across generations—from patriarchal structures where fathers provided materially and mothers nurtured morally, to modern times where both parents work and children spend much of their formative years in schools or hostels. This shift has led to children being more influenced by peers and teachers than by their parents.  

  The absence of consistent parental guidance has opened the door to moral decay: indulgence in drugs, sexual immorality, and distorted values. When the home ceases to be the primary place of training, society suffers. The Bible reminds us that raising children is not just about feeding and clothing them—it is about instilling godly values that shape their future.

Spiritual Solutions

1. Return to God’s Blueprint for Parenting  

   - Parents must reclaim their role as spiritual leaders in the home. Daily family devotion, prayer, and Bible study should be prioritized.  

   - Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

2. Shared Responsibility Anchored in Christ  

   - Both father and mother must see parenting as a joint spiritual assignment, not divided chores.  

   - Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”

3. Guarding Against Negative Influences  

   - Parents should be intentional about monitoring the influences around their children—friends, media, and school environments.  

   - 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.”

4. Raising Children in Discipline and Love  

   - Discipline must be balanced with love. Harshness drives children away, but godly correction draws them closer.  

   - Hebrews 12:11 – “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that parenting is a sacred trust from You. Forgive us for the times we have neglected our responsibility. Help us to train our children in Your ways, to model Christ in our homes, and to guard them against the corruption of this age. May our families be lights in a dark world, raising a generation that honors You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let us return to the biblical way of parenting our children and we will raise good, godly children. Share your thoughts here and feel free to share this devotional with your contacts. ©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.