Raising Godly Children Today by Standing as Spiritual Gatekeepers at Home
Can I ask you something? How many times have you looked around at what your kids are watching, playing, or listening to, and thought, "Is this really okay?" I think about that a lot. This culture rushes at us from all sides. And as much as I want to shield my family, raising godly children today doesn’t come with a pause button or a manual. There are no moments off. But you know what? God picked us to do it. And He gives what we need every single day.
In our most recent podcast episode, I sat with a friend, Emily, and honestly, her story still tugs at my heart. Her kids were playing what looked like a harmless game, but it ended up opening doors she never would have chosen. It was a wake-up call for her—and for me—to remember our calling as spiritual gatekeepers. That’s what I want to talk about today. Not fear, not panic. But faithful vigilance, hope, and practical ways we can keep raising godly children today, even when the pressure feels unreal.
What Does It Mean to Be a Spiritual Gatekeeper for Our Kids?
Let me tell you, I didn’t grow up thinking about spiritual gatekeeping. But as a mom, I see it now. Our homes are the starting place for all the values our children carry out into the world. Think about your front door. You lock it at night, right? Not because you’re afraid, but because you love the people inside. Being a gatekeeper is just that. We stand between what God has given us and everything out there trying to get in. Raising godly children today means we’re alert, not anxious, about what flows into our homes—through TVs, apps, friends, books, all of it.
I remember a night when I heard my own kid talking to the screen, repeating lines from a video game, and that quick nudge in my spirit: something is off here. It’s easy to brush it away. But sometimes, the Holy Spirit pulls at us for a reason. I don’t always get it right (not even close), but I’m learning to pay attention. Because the enemy doesn’t take days off. And neither does God.
Why Raising Godly Children Today Is More Than Setting Rules
Here’s the thing—a lot of what I used to do was just make a bunch of rules. Don’t watch this. Turn that off. Delete this app. But rules don’t teach the heart. Grace does. Conversation does. I’m learning to ask my kids, "Does this honor God?" Not, "Are you allowed?" Not, "Will mom be mad?" But, "Does this honor Jesus in our home?" It changes everything. They start to see boundaries as love, not just control. And honestly, raising godly children today means shifting our focus from rules to relationship, with God and with our kids.
We have a lot of talks. Sometimes they get resistance (especially when friends are doing different things). But it creates the space for honesty. We aren’t just preventing bad things; we’re nurturing hearts that will know what to do when we’re not in the room. After that episode with Emily, I found myself having more open conversations and letting my kids see me make hard choices too. Like skipping certain movies or music because they just don’t fit with our commitment to honor God.
Everyday Practices for Raising Godly Children Today
- Pray with and for your kids—out loud, every day (even if it’s quick)
- Ask questions—“What did you see today that made you think?”
- Let them catch you reading your Bible and worshiping
- Make asking "Does this honor God?" part of daily decisions
- Choose family tech time, where you watch and discuss things together
It’s simple, but it matters. Our kids see us living it, and it sticks, even when it feels like it doesn’t.
How to Start Conversations That Go Beyond "Because I Said So"
I used to shut down questions fast. "Because I said so." But honestly, it didn’t work. Raising godly children today means giving them room to talk, wonder, and sometimes argue (in a healthy way). So we practice asking, "Why do you think this is okay?" or "What about this game/movie feels off to you?" I share when God convicts me, too. I tell them when I have to walk away from something, even if it looks fun, because my spirit says, "Nope." It makes the guardrails make sense for everyone.
Scripture That Shapes Our Family’s Why
One verse I come back to is James 4:7 (CSB): "Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." I remind my kids (and myself) that submitting to God always comes first. We aren’t in this alone. His Spirit helps us. When we get that order right, the rest falls into place. The Bible is more than a book of rules. It’s the foundation for raising godly children today, and it’s filled with hope and wisdom we need.
What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed by All the Voices
Does this sound familiar? You set the boundaries, talk about Jesus, say no to certain things, and then your kids look at you with hurt in their eyes. Or maybe they say you’re too strict. I’ve been there. I still go there. Guilt sneaks in, and shame tries to take root. But here’s what I’ve learned (hand to heart): staying stuck in shame doesn’t help anyone. When I mess up, I give it to God and keep going. Tiny steps are okay. It’s about progress, not perfection. God gave these children to us, and He promises to equip us for what He’s called us to do. We don’t have to do it on our own.
My encouragement for you is this—don't let guilt drive you. Let grace fuel you. Raising godly children today is a high calling, but it’s not one we face empty-handed. God has already given us His Spirit, His Word, and a community of other moms who get it.
Why Raising Godly Children Today Takes Community and Prayer
Here’s what I see more and more—we need each other. We can read all the articles and set all the limits, but sometimes the simple, "Hey, I’m struggling here" in a group text or prayer circle is what shifts everything. In the podcast episode, hearing Emily say she prayed over her kids, rebuked lies, and broke strongholds, reminded me of how vital our prayers are over our families. It’s not magic words; it’s a posture of trust in God to work in places we can’t reach.
How We Pray and Stand Together as Moms
- Pray daily for God’s protection, wisdom, and clarity
- Say, "God, show us what we can’t see" about our homes and hearts
- Text trusted friends when you’re unsure or struggling
- Talk openly to your kids about your own faith walk
You are not alone. There are so many of us out here, holding the line, raising godly children today, and trusting God with every "yes" and every hard "no." Our house is the starting point for so much light to spill into the world. Don’t ever forget that your presence, your prayers, and your persistent love make a difference—even if you don’t see the fruit right away.
Honoring God in All We Do Is the Goal
At the end of a long day, I remind myself that raising godly children today isn't about doing everything right. It’s about aiming our hearts toward Jesus, and bringing our kids with us as we learn, stumble, and get back up. I want my home to be a place where God’s truth feels safe, where faith is real, and where each "stop and run" moment leads us closer to His best. And if you’re in that same place, I hope you know you’re seen, loved, and equipped for this.
If you need encouragement or practical ideas, listen to our latest podcast episode. You’ll hear real stories and practical ways you can keep raising godly children today, right where you are. And if you’re walking through a hard moment, message me. We’re in this together.
Keep taking those small, steady steps, friend. Let’s keep being the gatekeepers our kids need—alert, prayerful, and full of hope. God is faithful. And so are you.
