Training Up a Mind

Who is training your kid to think? Teachers? Coaches? Pastors? Friends? Social media?

Yup. All of the above. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to decide who has the loudest voice and who we let influence our little sponges.

We know that anxiety hamstrings many young minds. We try to point out the lies afflicting our kids, but they need more from us than “don’t think that way.” They need something to replace those anxious thoughts.

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8 (CEV)

Sandwiched between two references to the peace of God, Philippians 4:8 reminds us of what to fill our minds with. After an admonishment in verse 6 to not be anxious, Paul gives us multiple things to focus on.

Starting when our children are little and afraid of monsters under the bed, we can teach them to envision a mighty God beside them. When a negative thought strikes, we can help them see the lie, consider where it came from, and remember what God thinks about it. We can fill their days with gratitude, challenging each other to name five good things to every bad one. We can choose literature with noble characters who inspire good actions. We can limit pop culture and social media, replacing it with awe of God’s wonderful works.

Together, we can ask the Lord to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). These things will help our kids in their battle for a peaceful mind.

PRAY

God, you are the source of all things true, pure, right, holy, and worthwhile. You are worthy of praise. Please help us keep our minds on you and all the good things you give. Show us how to live peacefully among this chaos. Please guard our children’s minds especially. Give them hope in you. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What is something awesome you’ve been thinking about lately? How is God a part of that?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Isaiah 26:3

Romans 12:1