Being a new parent I am having to face new challenges all the time, I read this article today and it really challenged me! I want to share the article with you!
Spiritual Maturity: a challenge to parents
Developing a spiritual growth plan for families is tough. Face it:
being married and/or being a parent has enough challenges. And you want
to add a spiritual growth component? What’s next: faithfulness in
marriage, remembering your anniversary, and putting the toilet seat
down?
Before things get out of control, let me assure you that this can be
done. It is possible to lead your family spiritually and live to tell
about it. But it’s not easy!.
Whether parents choose to ignore this or not, the Bible is clear
regarding whose responsibility it is to spiritually nurture a child.
5 “And you must love the Lord your God with all your
heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit
yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7
Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you
are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and
when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your
forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and
on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:5-9, NIV).
The Bible instructs parents to disciple their children, yet many
expect the church to do so, primarily for three seemingly overwhelming
challenges. The good news is that the challenges can be overcome.
We’re Too Busy
Time challenges everyone…in every stage of life…in every
profession…every day. We don’t have enough of it…or it at least feels
that way. While time management gurus would likely dispute the notion
that time is limited, let’s agree with the perception and respond to it.
Solution: Start doing something. Any
small step is better than no step. I’ve found that it’s best to connect
new commitments to old habits. For example, if you have a hard time
remembering to pray for your kids, commit to pray for them when you get
out of bed in the morning and when you go to bed at night. Try to learn a
Bible verse as a family by reviewing it while brushing your teeth.
Place an index card with the verse next to your toothbrush or tape it to
the bathroom mirror. While you’re in the bathroom, keep a short
devotional book nearby. Make it a habit of asking “what did you learn
about God” anytime someone is in the bathroom for an…ahem…extended time.
I’m Too Intimidated
This challenge is understandable. Since parents are viewed as the
experts in life (at least until their kids are teens), we can be easily
intimidated that we don’t have enough knowledge to lead our child
spiritually. The good news is that this is the easiest obstacle to
overcome, but it comes with a price: pride.
Solution: Whether you’re intimidated or
not, we should all approach discipleship with great humility.
Discipleship is not about knowledge; it’s about obedience. And if you’re
insecure in your Bible IQ, be honest with your kids about that. Let
them know you love Jesus and want to grow in your relationship with Him,
but that you’re still learning. Encourage your kids to ask you any
question, but remind them you’ll likely need to talk to a friend or
pastor or research the answer on your own. Kids appreciate honesty. They
already know you don’t know much anyway.
It’s Too Much Work
When I’ve heard parents say this, they’re really saying their kids are
not interested. Despite a parent’s bet efforts, it’s quite possible kids
will not respond the way we’d hoped.
Solution: Don’t give in! You can’t make
your child love Jesus, so don’t worry about that. It’s not your job to
make your kids obey or follow God, but it is your job to feed them
spiritually. Kids may tune us out, but it doesn’t mean they’re not
listening. Granted, you might have to establish ground rules, like no
texting while you’re trying to have a spiritual conversation, but don’t
be defeated by a blank stare. Smile right back at it and show Christ’s
love…even when you might not feel it.
Clearly, the above challenges don’t even begin to scratch the surface.
Developing spiritually mature kids is not easy. The quicker we
understand that, the more we can live a guilt-free life. Parenting is
not a part-time activity, so if you’ve blown it in the past go ahead and
start over. You’re allowed. You’re the parent.
