The ceremony dedicating a child to the Lord appeals to those present as a
beautiful and meaningful celebration of a young life held up before God. The
presentation, while beautiful and full of heartfelt sentiment, also signifies a
serious vow on the part of the parents: that they will raise this child unto the
Lord to the best of their ability with God's help. As we promise to raise a
child in the will of our heavenly Father, we not only make that vow at that
moment, but also agree to sustain that child over time as active Christian
parents.

This includes:

• Praying constantly for our children. (Job 1:5)
• Living Christ-like lives as authentic examples to our children. (Prov. 20:7)
• Instructing our children in the way of the Lord. (Proverbs 22:6)
• Disciplining our children with love, even as the Lord disciplines us.
  (Proverbs 13:24; 29:15,17; Colossians 3:21)