But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
—1 Peter 3:15
Let the child know, even if we do not often say so in words, that he has been given to God. Let him know that this is the reason we cannot give way to his will or allow sin in him—we must keep him for God. Let the child know, with gentleness and firmness, that this is not just an empty declaration, but a principle that motivates us. Let him realize this so that it will gradually become a motive within himself. Because he has been given to God and accepted by Him, how could he disobey or grieve Him? Let our words, our life, our prayer and education, make the child feel, “I am the Lord’s.”
Excerpt taken from Raising your Children for Christ by Andrew Murray. This excerpt can be found in Chapter 17. Public Domain.