I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Parents the world over want their children to succeed. Mothers and fathers make sacrifices and take great pains at times to provide for the upbringing and education of their children. They want their offspring to have happiness and opportunity in this world, to earn a living and contribute positively to society. These are all good things, but they are not the best thing.

In the U.S., we celebrate Mother’s Day in May. As a mother of six, I will receive a few cards and phone calls to honor the day, and that is nice. But my real joy comes from seeing them walking in faith, raising their own children to know the Lord. God’s promises are meant to be passed down in covenant families (Genesis 17:7).

As a parent, it is nice to hear the words “I love you” or “Thank you for teaching me that.” It is nice to see that this one has my curly hair or that one shares my love of gardening—but real joy comes when they share my faith and confidence in God and in our Lord Jesus Christ. When we can pray together and worship together, my heart is full.

Some children will not succeed in the traditional ways—some have disabilities or a lack of opportunity to achieve due to circumstances outside their control. The Lord, however, does not limit His grace to the outwardly successful. In fact, Jesus says He came to minister to the poor and broken-hearted—those whom the world had cast off (Luke 4:18-19). Even if a child never learns to read, he can learn to love the Lord if someone teaches him. This is a parent’s greatest calling.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of parenting in many passages. Our mighty God even calls Himself our Father, establishing a perfect example of provision and sacrifice for those He loves. Spelling words, math facts, and auto maintenance are important things, but above all, Christian mothers and fathers must focus on passing on to their children the truth that will save them—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

By Grace Barnes, Bible League International Volunteer Ambassador, Michigan, U.S.