Written by Myan Subrayan
In a world that feels increasingly unstable, many parents are asking the same quiet but urgent question: How do we raise children who will stand strong when everything around them feels broken? The answer does not begin with talent, success, or achievement. It begins with foundation. For us as followers of Jesus, the Bible teaches that He is the only foundation we are to build on (1 Cor 3:11). Jesus emphasises this in Matthew 7:24-25: the wise person builds on the rock. Storms will come – not if, but when. The difference is not whether the storm arrives, but whether the foundation holds.
Why this series matters
This truth lies at the heart of why I wrote my book, Raising Champions. It’s not only about sport, but about life, faith, character, and choices. Long before anyone becomes a leader, a parent, or a difference-maker, they are first a child shaped at home.
Foundations are built, not inherited
One of the great myths of our time is that strong character develops naturally. Scripture tells a different story. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us that training a child is intentional work. Foundations are laid daily through conversations, boundaries, example, discipline, forgiveness, and prayer.
Children are always learning
The question is not whether children are being shaped, but by what? In many homes today, parents are fighting unseen battles: fear for the future, broken systems, financial strain, absent role models, and cultural confusion. Yet Scripture reassures us that God delights in using ordinary families to do extraordinary work. A strong foundation is not about perfection – it is about consistency.
Character over circumstances
One of the most powerful Biblical truths for families today is this: circumstances do not define destiny – choices do. The Bible is filled with men and women who began life at a disadvantage: Joseph betrayed by his brothers, David overlooked by his family, Esther orphaned, Moses raised far from his biological parents. None of them chose their circumstances, but each chose faithfulness.
Choosing well in hard places
Similarly, Shaun Bartlett’s life story (captured in my book) reflects the power of wise choices. Raised by his mom, grandparents, and extended family after his father abandoned him, and growing up in the notorious Cape Flats, he had every reason not to succeed. Yet he was nurtured with a strong foundation of Biblical values. Shaun went on to win the African Cup with Bafana Bafana in 1996, play six seasons in the English Premier League, and coach successfully in the PSL. He is now a sought-after sports commentator, the husband of one wife for 29 years, a father of three adult sons – and they are all faithfully serving the Lord.
Accountability gives dignity
This message on choices is vital for young people growing up in difficult environments. It tells them: your story is not finished. God is not limited by where you come from. Parents and extended family (as in Shaun’s case) play a crucial role here. When children are taught to take responsibility for their choices rather than blame others, they develop resilience. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that what we sow, we reap. Teaching accountability is not harsh; it is hopeful. It gives children agency and dignity.
Discipline is an act of love
Hebrews 12:11 tells us that discipline is painful for a moment, but produces righteousness and peace. In today’s culture, discipline is often misunderstood as punishment rather than guidance. Biblical discipline is rooted in love. It says, I care enough about your future to shape your present. Families that build strong foundations understand that discipline is not about control, but formation. It teaches children how to manage time, emotions, responsibility, and relationships. These are life skills, not rules for rules’ sake. Children raised with loving structure learn that freedom grows best within boundaries.
Faith is caught before it is taught
One of the most sobering truths for parents is that children absorb far more from what they see than what they hear. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 urges parents to speak of God’s ways at home, on the road, in the morning, and at night – not as lectures, but as a way of life. Faith is formed around the dinner table, in moments of conflict resolution, in how parents speak to one another, in how forgiveness is practised, and in how failure is handled. Children learn courage by watching parents trust God in uncertainty. They learn grace by watching parents apologise. They learn perseverance by watching parents endure.
Raising champions for life
A “champion” in God’s eyes is not measured by applause, trophies, or titles. Micah 6:8 gives us the true standard: acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Families who focus on character over image, obedience over popularity, and faith over fear are laying foundations that will last far beyond childhood. Storms will come. Culture will shift. Pressure will increase. But children raised on the Rock will stand. The greatest gift parents can give is not a perfect life, but a strong foundation rooted in Christ. From that foundation, everything else can grow.
MYAN SUBRAYAN – life coach, speaker, and author working with businesses, individuals, and athletes across all sports. As a pastor he speaks regularly to church groups. Visit myansubrayan.co.za to find out more.
This article is featured in the February/March 2026 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
> Please support Christian media and journalism in South Africa. Help us to spread the Word of God and take a stand for the truth by making a donation to our ministry. We appreciate your support. Click here to take hands with JOY! Magazine.
Date published: 26/02/2026
Feature images sourced from article
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
