Christian Parents Apply Jonathan Edwards’ Example Today to Raise Godly Children
For many Christian parents today, raising children who genuinely love Christ feels increasingly difficult. The culture pushes secular values, entertainment dominates attention spans, and biblical truth is often challenged at every turn. Yet centuries ago, one Christian father faced similar concerns in a very different world. His name was Jonathan Edwards, and his example continues to inspire Christian families seeking to raise children who honor God.
Edwards is best known as one of America’s most influential theologians and a leading figure of the First Great Awakening. His sermons, books, and theological writings continue to shape Reformed Christianity today. But beyond the pulpit and the study, Edwards was also a devoted husband and father.
He and his wife Sarah raised eleven children. Remarkably, many historians have noted the extraordinary influence their descendants would have on American society. Generations of Edwards’ family included pastors, missionaries, educators, judges, business leaders, and public servants. While no Christian parent can guarantee the future faithfulness of their children, many have looked to the Edwards household as an example of intentional biblical parenting.
What made their approach different?
The answer may surprise modern parents.
According to accounts of Edwards’ family life, the foundation was not simply strict discipline, family rules, or academic excellence. Instead, the center of the home was God Himself. Edwards believed the greatest gift a parent could give a child was not success, comfort, or even happiness—but a vision of the glory and worth of God.
This conviction shaped everything.
Family worship was a regular practice. Scripture was discussed openly. Prayer was woven into daily life. The children observed parents who genuinely loved Christ and sought to obey Him. Faith was not merely a Sunday activity; it was the atmosphere of the home.
One lesson repeatedly emphasized by Edwards is especially countercultural today: parents must love God more than they love their children.
That statement sounds harsh to modern ears. Yet Edwards believed it was actually the highest expression of parental love.
Jesus Himself taught this principle when He said:
“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” — Matthew 10:37 (NKJV)
The point is not that parents should love their children less. Rather, they should love God first and most. When God occupies the highest place in a parent’s heart, every other relationship finds its proper place.
Edwards understood that children can easily become idols. Parents may sacrifice biblical convictions to keep children happy. They may avoid difficult truths because they fear conflict. They may prioritize sports, academics, popularity, or future careers above spiritual growth.
But Edwards believed that true love seeks eternal good above temporary comfort.
As Proverbs 22:6 teaches:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Training requires intentional effort. It involves teaching, correcting, encouraging, and modeling biblical truth.
One of the most striking aspects of Edwards’ parenting was the consistency between what he taught and how he lived. His children did not merely hear sermons about God; they saw a father captivated by God.
That example remains desperately needed today.
Many Christian parents understand the importance of church attendance, yet children are often quick to notice inconsistencies. If parents profess faith on Sunday but live like the world during the week, children receive mixed messages.
The Apostle Paul instructed fathers:
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV)
Notice that Paul does not merely command parents to provide food, shelter, or education. Parents are called to disciple their children.
That responsibility cannot be outsourced to pastors, youth leaders, or Christian schools.
The modern church often faces a troubling reality. Many young adults raised in Christian homes walk away from the faith once they leave home. Numerous factors contribute to this trend, but one lesson from Edwards remains relevant: children must see authentic faith lived out before them.
A home centered on Christ creates opportunities for discipleship every day.
Family devotions do not need to be elaborate. Prayer before meals matters. Reading Scripture together matters. Discussing biblical truths in response to current events matters. Most importantly, parents must demonstrate repentance, humility, and dependence upon God.
Edwards also recognized that salvation ultimately belongs to the Lord.
This is an important reminder for Christian parents who feel overwhelmed or discouraged.
Reformed theology emphasizes God’s sovereignty in salvation. Parents are responsible for faithful teaching and discipleship, but only the Holy Spirit can transform a child’s heart.
As Paul wrote:
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV)
That truth brings both responsibility and comfort.
Parents should work diligently to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, yet they must trust God for the results. The Edwards family was remarkable, but their success was not ultimately the result of perfect parenting. It was evidence of God’s grace working through faithful parents.
In an age of digital distractions, moral confusion, and spiritual compromise, Jonathan Edwards’ example offers a powerful challenge.
Love God above everything.
Model authentic faith.
Teach Scripture consistently.
Pray fervently.
Trust God’s sovereignty.
Christian parents may not raise future pastors, missionaries, or national leaders. But by following these biblical principles, they can point their children toward the greatest treasure of all—the Lord Jesus Christ. And in the end, there is no greater legacy a parent can leave behind.