I listen to 100s of sermons a year, either at church or on podcasts. While I hope not to forget what I learn, the reality is that if it isn’t written down, I rarely recall the details a day later. But this particular message was different. I still recall the truths of the scripture taught, the analogy used, and how I felt as God grabbed my heart.
Moses had just returned from meeting God on the mountaintop. He was given the responsibility of teaching the Israelites to observe the 10 Commandments so that the adults, their children, and their children’s children “may fear the Lord your God…and enjoy long life” (Deuteronomy 6:1-2). God wanted the commandments to be on their hearts so much that they impressed them on their children as they talked, walked, lay down, and got up (v7). God was saying, “No matter what you are doing, teach your children to love me and love others.”
The Power of “Impress” in Parenting
I remember it like it was yesterday. My pastor camped out on the word “impress.” Webster’s Dictionary defines “impress” as “to leave an imprint or mark” and “to transfer, transmit.” Using the illustration of biting your hand just enough to leave teeth marks, the pastor explained that to impress is to leave a life-changing mark on our children’s lives.
That sermon reshaped how I view parenting. A decade later, I renamed my blog and created a podcast called Parenting to Impress. The name isn’t meant to boast about my parenting skills! Instead, it reminds me that any effort made to raise my children without God or a godly perspective will fall short.
Why Our Mold Isn’t Enough
Making a mark on something requires an authentic mold or stamp. If my goal is simply to make copies of myself, I can push, prod, and make it happen. But there’s a problem:
- My mold is flawed. A “mini-me” child will inherit selfishness and lack of kindness just like me.
- Lasting impressions require the perfect pressure—and without God, parenting becomes stressful and imperfect.
Only God provides a peace-filled and perfect mold for our children to follow.
How to Biblically Impress God’s Mold on Our Children
God gives the answer in Deuteronomy 6:6: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”
Did you catch it? We can leave a godly impression on our children only when we have allowed God to mark our own hearts.
Ways God Imprints His Truth on Me:
- Daily quiet times in the Word and prayer
- Consistently attending a Bible-believing church
- Filling my mind with truth (Philippians 4:8) through what I watch, listen to, and read
- Surrounding myself with godly friends who speak truth and grace
As God shapes my heart, He equips me to shape my children’s hearts. Here are Biblical parenting tips the Lord has graciously taught me:
- “…sit at home.” – Read the Bible with your children. With preschoolers, focus on simple, true Bible stories. As they grow, discuss choices, character, and God’s truths. ABCJesusLovesMe has free ideas to help.
- “…walk along the road.” – Turn off distractions in the car and talk with your children. Point out God’s creation and pray when you see an ambulance or fire truck.
- “…lie down.” – Bedtime is perfect for heart-to-heart talks. Share your struggles and how God is working in your life.
- “…get up.” – Begin each day as a fresh opportunity to live out the gospel and show God’s love to others.
The Goal of Parenting to Impress
Parenting to Impress has one goal – that “you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live” (Deuteronomy 6:2).
That is my prayer for all of us. I invite you to join me on this journey of Biblical parenting—where God leaves an eternal impression on our hearts and the hearts of our children.
