Raising Christian Kids in a Secular World

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I want to address a very real challenge that many Christian families face: raising children in a world that is increasingly secular, often hostile to our faith, and filled with distractions that pull them away from the values we hold dear. From pagan holidays to materialistic traditions, the world is constantly trying to shape our children’s hearts and minds in ways that contradict the teachings of Scripture. As Christian parents, how can we raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord without making them feel isolated or ostracized from their peers?

We want our children to be lights in the darkness, to stand firm in their faith, and to understand why certain practices—such as celebrating Halloween, believing in the tooth fairy, or focusing on the commercial aspects of Christmas—may not align with biblical principles. Yet, we don’t want them to feel excluded or to struggle with the sense of being different in a world that celebrates these things. How can we navigate this delicate balance?

Let us turn to God’s Word for guidance as we seek to raise our children with a strong foundation in Christ, teaching them to live counter-culturally without alienating them from the world around them.

1. Teach Them the Truth from the Start (Proverbs 22:6)

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. "The first step in raising Christian children in a secular world is to lay a solid foundation of biblical truth from the very beginning. This involves teaching them about who God is, what He has done for them through Jesus Christ, and the importance of living according to His Word. The earlier we start, the more firmly their hearts will be anchored in the truth.

We must teach them to recognize and distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, not based on societal norms but on God’s Word. This means discussing why certain practices, like Halloween or the belief in Santa Claus, might conflict with our faith and why we choose not to participate in them. By explaining these issues in a way that aligns with Scripture, we help our children understand that their identity is rooted in Christ, not in the customs of this world.

2. Lead by Example (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." As parents, we are the primary influencers in our children’s lives. Our actions, words, and attitudes speak volumes. It is not enough to simply tell them what is right and wrong; we must live it out ourselves. They need to see us making choices that honor God, whether it’s how we celebrate holidays, how we interact with people, or how we engage with the world around us.

If we want our children to take their faith seriously, we must take it seriously ourselves. This includes making intentional choices about how we celebrate cultural traditions. For instance, if we choose not to celebrate Halloween, we need to explain why and offer alternative ways to celebrate that honor Christ. If we decide not to emphasize the myth of Santa Claus, we can instead focus on the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate Jesus’ birth.

By consistently modeling godly behavior, our children will learn what it means to follow Christ in a world that often opposes His teachings.

3. Teach Them Discernment and the Why Behind Our Choices (Romans 12:2)

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. "It is crucial that we not only tell our children what they should or should not do, but also explain why we make these choices. When we teach our children about the dangers of pagan traditions like Halloween or the myth of Santa Claus, we must emphasize that these practices are not just "harmless fun" but have roots in things that do not honor God.

Rather than just prohibiting things, we should engage in open conversations with our children. Ask them questions to help them think critically: "Why do you think people celebrate Halloween?" "What is the true meaning of Christmas?" "How can we celebrate in a way that honors Jesus?" This helps them understand the deeper issues at play and fosters discernment that will serve them well throughout their lives.

We want our children to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so they can understand the will of God and make choices that honor Him. Discernment will help them navigate their own path as they grow older and encounter more challenging situations in the world.

4. Provide Alternative Celebrations that Honor God (Matthew 5:14-16)

Matthew 5:14-16 says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

If we are going to steer our children away from secular practices, we must provide them with meaningful alternatives. Instead of Halloween, we can participate in fall festivals that celebrate the beauty of God’s creation.

Instead of focusing on materialism during Christmas, we can emphasize the gift of Jesus Christ and serve others in His name through acts of kindness. Instead of teaching our children to look forward to a fantasy character like Santa Claus, we can focus on the joy of giving, just as God gave His Son for us.

By creating godly traditions, we allow our children to participate in the joy of celebrating Christ while avoiding the distractions and influences that pull them away from Him.

5. Encourage Community and Fellowship with Other Believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

One of the best ways to ensure that our children feel supported and encouraged in their faith is to surround them with a community of believers who share similar values. Whether it’s through a local church, youth group, or Christian homeschool community, our children need to have relationships with other kids who are also striving to live for Christ.

Being part of a Christian community helps our children understand that they are not alone in their faith. It also provides opportunities for them to build friendships that are centered on shared beliefs, making it easier for them to stand firm in a secular world.

6. Teach Them to Show Love to Others, Even When Different (1 Peter 3:15-16)

1 Peter 3:15-16 says, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience."Finally, as we teach our children to live according to God’s Word, we must also teach them to show love and respect to others, even when they make different choices. The goal is not to create an “us vs. them” mentality, but to equip our children with the ability to share their faith with others in a respectful and loving way.

Our children will encounter peers who celebrate Halloween, believe in Santa Claus, or follow other secular traditions. Teach them to respond with kindness and to avoid judgment, while still holding fast to their convictions. It’s important for them to understand that they can be in the world but not of the world.

Conclusion

Raising Christian children in a secular world is no small task, but by grounding them in biblical truth, leading by example, teaching discernment, providing godly alternatives, fostering community, and encouraging love and respect for others, we can equip them to stand firm in their faith. We can raise children who are lights in the darkness, who understand why they choose to follow Christ, and who do so with joy, not resentment.

May God give us the wisdom, strength, and grace to raise our children in a way that honors Him, and may He help them navigate this world with courage and conviction.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of our children. We ask that You give us wisdom and guidance as we raise them in a world that often contradicts Your truth. Help us to be strong in our faith and to teach our children Your Word with love and grace. May they grow to know You and follow You wholeheartedly, standing firm in the midst of a secular world. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.