There is no doubt that they are all boy. The constant talk about passing gas, their enormous appetites, and the reckless abandon with which they approach the outdoors are more than enough proof.
But soon they will be men. And being a man Biblically is another thing entirely.

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My husband and I work in the entertainment business as producers. Not a meeting goes by where we are not confronted with ideals that are contrary to ours as Christians. The central battle is always about what makes a good story-what do audiences want?

We sit in meetings on terraces with lattes and a well-coifed representative of Hollywood tells us that they want conflict. Drama. And what they really mean is that they want turmoil. Debauchery. Titillating content that shows every man is out for himself.

That’s exactly what the world will try to tell my sons too.

GQ and HBO will say a man means approaching the world with guns blazing with attitudes of authority and dominance. Don’t ever take no for an answer. Conquer. Seduce. Stand out. Use people up and if need be, cast them aside when you are done.

Become a bachelor whose only desire is self-gratification. When things get tough in marriage, walk away.

So what’s a mom to do who believes that we are to be in the world, but not of the world? How do I raise my sons to embrace Biblical manhood when everything in our culture is telling them that being a man means testing the waters with multiple women or pursuing a career at the expense of quality time with his family?

The answer is simple but powerful:

We become mothers of knights, arming our sons with the qualities that God tells us we must put on to fight the battle.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:13-18Did you catch that?

1.Arm them with Truth. Memorize Scripture with your sons so that they will be righteous, peacemakers, faithful, and true.

2.Teach them to pray. Pray about big things and small things, at all times, at any moment. Model it for them-start by saying a prayer when you get in your car and ask God to cover your children in specific ways. If they stub their toe and are in tears, stop and pray with them. When their best high school friend betrays them, stop and pray with them. When they are given an accolade, stop and thank God for the gift with them. When you don’t know what to do, stop and pray with them for God’s wisdom.

 When our sons know the Truth about what makes a man a man, we need not fear as they enter into battle. They will recognize the decoys and the victory will be found in knowing that their identity is in Christ alone.

Will you pray with me now?

Dear Father God,

Thank you for equipping me and my sons with everything we need for life and Godliness through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to plant Your Word in their hearts by memorizing Scripture and use it to mold their hearts and minds into men of Godly character. Help me to model for them what it means to pray. Give me the courage and the words to pray for my boys. May they be armed with Your armor that they may enter the world, confident in their identity in Christ and willing to love others as themselves.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Here are some helpful resources for you in training your sons to be knights of light in a dark world:

 1. Proverbs For Parenting: A Topical Guide for Child Raising From the Book of Proverbs by Barbara Decker

 2. Wise Words for Moms by Ginger Plowman (This is a Handy Wall Chart For Quick Reference of Attitudes and Behaviors with Corresponding Bible Verses)

 3. A Cult Shaped My Past-How The Bible Formed My Future And Our Family’s Main Goal!

Amber lives in Southern California with her husband and 3 boisterous sons under the age of 6. She writes about faith and family from the perspective of a work-at-home mom, Hollywood producer and writer. You can follow her God-sized dream journey and their “Testoster-Home” at www.motherofknights.com.