A Thought About The Spiritual Growth of Our Children

For most of us, life in the 21st century is busy. Most people have more on their 'to-do' list than they can ever possibly accomplish. As parents we are always running here and there, picking up and dropping off our little miniature ballerinas, our famous baseball players and our future concert pianists. We only want the best for our children. We want to ensure that they are nurtured and healthy during their growing years so that they "can be all that they can be." We want them to eat nutritious foods and get the right exercise so that they will become physically healthy and strong. We want them to learn in a wholesome environment as they grow intellectually and emotionally, and we want to protect them from anything that would hinder their growth and well being.

But what about the spiritual growth of our children, is it also important? Well, if the total health of our children is important to us, then amidst our busy schedules we must nurture their spiritual growth as well.

According to the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), Moses presented God's people with a clear strategy for their children. First, parents were instructed to obey God's commandments themselves and thus give their children a model to observe rather than rules to obey. Second, they were to talk about God's ways "when [they] sat at home and when [they] walked along the road, when [they] lay down and when [they] got up." That is, parents were to use the every day experiences of the child's life as a means of awakening interest in the things of the Lord. God insisted that spiritual nurturing was to start early in life.

Jesus had things to say about children as well. For example, he said "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones." (Matthew 18:10). When asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus replied by standing a child in the middle of the group and urging his hearers to "become like little children" in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Apparently Jesus identified the qualities of a child as central to God's purposes. On another occasion, some of his followers attempted to stop parents from bringing their children to him.The Bible tells us that Jesus was indignant and corrected his followers: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." (Mark 10:14). Then it says "And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Yes, children are very important to the Lord Jesus, and the child who trusts and experiences his love has a solid foundation for coping with the difficult experiences of life (not to mention the eternal benefits).

If you are looking to make this journey along with your children, I would encourage you to take action now. Take the time to investigate the possibilities of joining a Christian Church in your area. Build relationships with your children, with Jesus and with a family of fellow believers who will help to strengthen and support you as you seek to nurture and grow with your family, in mind, body and soul.

Is the spiritual growth of your child and family important?
You bet their lives it is!!
That's not all I'll say about that!