Parenting God’s Wayናሙና

Areas for Successful Parenting: Spiritual Life

Your most important task as a parent is to teach your children the way of salvation through Christ. There’s no more critical issue for any person alive, and nothing in life can be addressed effectively without first settling this one issue. Do everything you can to clearly explain God’s plan of salvation to your children, and remember that even small children can be called by God to understand and choose redemption. Gently and simply, explain the concepts of sin and separation, atonement and restoration through Christ, making sure you stress that salvation through the atoning blood of Jesus is a personal choice. You cannot resolve this issue for your children, nor are they automatically saved because you’ve accepted Christ’s offer of salvation. But be alert to their questions and signs of curiosity … and pray that no matter what their age, God will open their eyes to the truth of the gospel and grant them “repentance that leads to salvation” (2 Cor. 7:10). 

In addition to the question of salvation, you’re responsible for teaching your children the importance of the Word of God and a deepening relationship with Christ throughout life. Here are four essential ways you can do this: 

1. Read — Teach your children the trustworthiness of God’s Word, the importance of reading it regularly, and the value of consulting it on issues great and small. Let God speak to your heart and to your children’s hearts as you read together. Pray He will open your ears to His voice and your spirits to His presence. 

2. Pray — The power of praying with, over, and for your children should never be underestimated. Your children will learn to pray from you. When they hear you speaking to the Father on behalf of themselves and others, they’ll gradually learn to speak to him in the same way and will likely develop an understanding of God that’s similar to yours. Allow times of prayer to build “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3) within your family. 

3. Serve and Fellowship — Finally, make sure you and your children are part of a local church where you can serve and fellowship together. Teach your children to help others in the body of Christ as well as those in the world, just as Scripture commands (Gal. 6:10). Serve actively yourself, and seek opportunities for your children to participate in service. Lead them to fellowship with other Christians who will strengthen them in their faith, provide accountability for their Christian walk, and share testimonies, needs, and blessings with them (Heb. 10:25). 

Teach your children the importance of reading the Word of God, praying to the Father, and staying active in service and fellowship within the church. All are critical in putting your children on the right path and will build a spiritual foundation that will support godliness in everything they do. 

Digging Deeper

1. When was the last time my children and I consulted God’s Word together for guidance on some issue they were facing? How can I help them develop the habit of turning to God when they need counsel?

2. If my children were to pray as I pray, would their prayers be cursory and impatient, or full of depth, confidence, and love for God? 

3. Do my children see me serving in the church and reaching out regularly to other Christians for mutual support and strength? What are some steps I can take to reinforce my family’s sense of belonging in the body of Christ?