Raising Spiritually and Emotionally Intelligent Children (Part 2)Sample

Leading and Following the Child’s Lead

Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him. Esther 4:16-17 (NKJV)

Esther did not reveal her people or her family, for Mordecai had instructed her not to do so (Esther 2:10 & 20), and she moved to act on behalf of the Jews based on Mordecai’s leadership. In those instances, Mordecai was leading Esther. However, in Esther 4:17, Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him. Mordecai followed Esther’s lead. Spiritually intelligent parents do not only challenge their children to grow spiritually, but they also recognize when their children are operating under the influence of God’s Spirit, and they are humble enough to follow their children’s lead during those times.

Spiritually intelligent parents create a space that welcomes the children’s responses and words of Jesus in Matthew 21:15-16 (NKJV). Matthew 21:15-16 (NKJV) says:

But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”

While it is important to model godliness and instruct our children in the ways of the Lord, it is also crucial to guide them to exercise their spiritual muscles. Let’s create a space for our children to discuss their spiritual experiences, pray for us, lead worship, participate in missions and evangelism, etc., allowing them to exercise their spiritual authority and embrace Christianity as a way of life for the young and old. Those are also important ways to help our children easily recognize their spiritual gifts and practice 1 Timothy 4:12. Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (AMP)

Spiritual intelligence and emotional intelligence intertwine. Allowing our children to assume spiritual leadership promotes a positive sense of self and community. A child with a positive sense of self and community can easily take turns and think highly of others. The Church and every society need more confident and selfless individuals, and it all begins at home, where parents have the privilege of molding the human mind and spirit, particularly in the early years of life.

We hope you were enlightened! This plan was adapted from the Raising Spiritually and Emotionally Intelligent Children course. Click here to learn more