God has given us parents a great responsibility in training up our children in the Lord and cultivating in them Godly Character but thankfully, he gives us much guidance in his word. I believe there are seven important means that will help us in cultivating Godly Character in our children.

1. Set the example - we need to watch our life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if we do, we will save both ourself and our hearers. (1 Timothy 4:16) Do they see the fruit of the spirit in our lives or do they see anger, discouragement, distress, fear, doubt etc? If we Fix Gods commands in our hearts and minds, tie them as symbols on our hands and bind them on our forehead... (Deuteronomy 11:18) we will bear much fruit if we remain in him. (John 15) and give our children an example to follow.

2. Set the atmosphere - We need to commit to setting the atmosphere of our home, letting it be known to our children and saying as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15) and then serve the Lord in all we do.

3. Set the rules - We not only need to set down the family rules but hold to them and be consistent in our discipline when the rules are broken because folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him. (Proverbs 22:15)

4. Teach them to love the Word of God - If you delight in Gods commands because you love them. (Psalm 119:47) you can't help but Teach them to your children. Talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 11:19)and your children will learn to love the Word of God.

5. Teach them to Praise and Worship the Lord - If they see us praising the Lord even in the midst of our trials, they too will learn to praise Him and trust in him and his goodness. - Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name. (Hebrews 13:15) -...offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1) -...worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (John 4:24) -...His praise will always be on my lips. (Psalm 34:1)

6. Teach them to pray - If we are prayer warriors, our children will learn to rely on God through prayer also. They will learn to seek Him for intimacy, quidance, forgiveness, protection, strength, hope, joy, peace and for meeting all their needs. The Lords Prayer (Matthew 6:9-11) is a prayer Jesus taught his disciples, teaching them how to pray to their Father in heaven. It is a wonderful prayer to teach our children also. Be sure to teach them the many other reasons to go to the Father in prayer, such as: - Pray that you will not fall into temptation. (Luke 22:40) - Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. (James 5:13) - Pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:28) -...Pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5:16) -...Pray continually... (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

7. Teach them to share their faith - so they will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon :6 If we are active in sharing our faith, and Writing Gods Word on the door frames of our houses and on our gates (Deuteronomy 11:20) for all to see and letting our light shine before men, they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:15)

If we do these seven things, we will not only have given our children several means in which to cultivate Godly Character in their lives but God will bless your family in many ways causing you to praise your Father in heaven.

About the Author: Lori Arriaga is founder of Christian Womens Resources. A website dedicated to encouraging spiritual growth for women in their roles as wives, mothers and homemakers and providing free directory listings for the work at home mom.