How Do You Spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S- for Your Children?

Developing success in our children begins when we align our vision with God's. Generally our vision of success is is direct contrast to God's vision. His vision of success doesn't entail materialism. It doesn't include a fancy car, a nice home, or a substantial bank account. Instead God's view of success is detemined when the child can live a fulfilled life before God and man, exhibiting obedience to God's will, and maintaining a loving relationship with his parents.

The first step in assuring our children's success is realizing God desires our children to understand they were created by Him.

Psalms 139: 13-14 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

This passage of scripture teaches us God wants us to see ourselves as He sees us. As parents we are charged with ensuring our children understand the care God took in making us. God doesn't make junk. When we teach our children this simple principle, their self worth is fortified. When we fail to instill this message the enemy is able to infiltrate their minds and they become like Moses and are afraid of God's plan for their lives.

Exodus 3:11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”

Exodus 4: 10-14 Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” Then the Lord became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you.

The second step in assuring our children's success rests in remembering our children are a reward from God. As parents we shouldn't treat our children as though they are an annoyance. Devaluing them by pushing them to the side and sending them away to another room as if they are a bother to us is not biblical. They need to be heard and understood. We can learn a lot from their child-like character, their innocence and their wonderment. We believe our children were given to us for what we could do for them. Instead we should understand what they can do for us.

Matthew 18: 2-5 For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me.

The value you Jesus places on children is seen throughout the scriptures. As parents we have no right to undermine God's view of our children by ignoring them, shifting the responsibility of raising them to others, or replacing our time with them with material possessions.

Mark 10: 13-16 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

Satan has one goal for our children and the following verses reveal his plan.

John 8: 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life

1 Peter 5: 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Therefore, the third step in assuring our children's success is to be diligent in looking for his presence and to rebuke him at all turns.


Satans primary tools for achieving his goal include parents, children, the world, and society. Take a look at these scriptures.

Proverbs 19:18 Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them
destroys them.

The world would have us believe disipline is wrong. It would also have us to believe the use of extension cords, broom handles, and other objects are considered tools of discipline. Both of these schools of thought are wrong.

There is a difference between discipline and punishment. Punishment involves penalty for offense and is given in hostility and frustration which produces fear and guilt. Discipline trains and corrects and is given out of love and concern.

When done according to Godly principles, discipline will lead to children who exhibit, responsible behavior christ-like behavior.

Satan also uses our children and the world to their detriment.

Proverbs 5: 7 So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say:
Proverbs 5: 12-14 You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”
Proverbs 15:10 Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.

Mark 4:19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

The world does a good job of teaching our children the fierce competitiveness that it has to offer. Children whose parents are not involved, usually find themselves cast aside and left behind. If we have not done our job the world can easily lead our children astray. God has promised us if we train our children in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart from it. No one can guarantee that our children will heed what we have told them. Our children are ultimately responsible for making the final decision, but if we have given them the proper foundation, the chances are, they will make the right choice. How do you spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S?