Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right

Tim Kimmel in his book, “Raising Kids Who Turn Out Right” tells the story of a man named Michael who is told by his doctor that he had acquired “Lou Gehrig’s disease” and probably wouldn’t live more than three years. For a man in his thirties, married to his wife for twelve year and with three small children, this news rocked his world.

Kimmel says, “In a sad but strategic sort of way, Michael had been allowed to read the dates that would be carved on his tombstone. Because of that, he had time to do what most people don’t think about until it’s too late. He could formulate a plan to make the days count.” His thoughts turned toward his wife and three kids.

Why is it that we don’t consider the brevity of life and how few the moments are we have to make the kind of impact in our families that God would desire? At any moment, your life could be over and your time would be up.

As you are building your career, working on your hobbies, and building your position in society, remember that your legacy is being established in the lives of your children. What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?

More important than financial success, societal success, and even the worldly success of your children, is the success of raising kids that love Jesus with all their hearts and who desire to follow and serve them all the days of their lives. How are you going to make that a reality in your home?

I encourage you to spend time with your kids individually and as a family to build a legacy that will last beyond your lifetime. Consider studying the Bible together as a family. Encourage your children to know God through the pages of Scripture and prayer. Read some of the articles and recommended books on these pages, and click on some of the links to learn more about how to raise godly kids.

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” Deut 7:8-9 (NIV)

Family Devotions

Recommended Reading