Fathers and Mothers: Devotions from Time of GraceSýnishorn

Parenting: Build a Spiritual Environment A characteristic of a healthy congregation is that it feels like a family--people feel a sense of belonging, care about each other, and feel valued. The reverse is equally true--a characteristic of a healthy home is that it feels like a church. I don’t mean that your house needs an organ or that the seating should be hard wooden pews. But your home does need a spiritual environment. Your family needs to connect with God each day, not just on Sundays. Your home can be a temple of worship, Bible study, prayer, and Christian songs. Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Here’s another truth--it will never happen by itself. Our lives are hectic. Parenting is exhausting, and if you wait until you have extra time and feel peppy, that day will never come. Just as it is important for husbands and wives to make time for each other, your family’s relationship with God will flourish if the mother and father decide to make God welcome in their home. Would morning, afternoon, or evening work best in your home? Do you have a Bible, prayer book, and songbook handy?