Equipping for Life: A Guide for New, Aspiring & Struggling Parents

by Andreas and Margaret Kostenberger

Few assignments in life are more rewarding than helping a child develop a sense of mission, calling, and a connection with God and others in this world.

Raising children is one of God’s ways of building character in us, driving us closer to Him and to each other.

We shouldn’t farm them out for someone else to raise them. The world says: Delegate the care and education of your children to others; give them independence; send them away. God says: Exercise proper dominion as those created in my image—for my glory. Train, care, educate—be present with your children!

It’s easy to start out the day with good intentions, but it doesn’t take long before our children begin to wear us down and our patience grows thin. We gradually get more and more exasperated, and may even eventually blow our fuse. That’s it! We’ve had enough! And we feel like throwing in the towel.

The sinful nature cannot be reformed; it must be redeemed. No amount of discipline can replace regeneration of your child.

parenting is presence.

Rather than feeling like ministry pulled me away from them, I think that our children would probably tell you that knowing God and serving Him is interesting and even fun!