Who is Responsible for your Child’ Spiritual Formation?
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11: 18-19
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| It is a family affair! |
Who is ultimately responsible for your child spiritual formation? As a youth pastor, and long time Sunday school teacher, I have asked myself numerous times this very question. I don’t think parents realize that they are responsible for their children spiritual formation. Parents do not bring children to church as they used to anymore, and .when asked, they often come up with flimsy excuses. Either they had to stay home to catch up on their much needed sleep due to hard work at school or they were too sick. I believe that parents pray over their children and hope that they turn up okay. The Bible commands us to “train” the children. As an experienced human resource professional, I can tell you that training is a process. It requires persistence. It takes time. Training involves coaching and hands on. Parents must not forget that there is really a spiritual warfare going on in this world and that children have to be prepared for battles. They cannot be bystanders. They must choose a side. They have to know who they must serve: The Lord or the devil. Jesus says it Himself “Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me. Matthew 12:30
If parents are not telling their children what team to cheer for, I can guarantee that someone else is doing it for them. It is likely that they are cheering for the opponent and the deceiver. Teaching is not only about telling them what to do as much as it is about demonstrating how to live by living by spiritual principles as well. Children learn more by observing you than anything else. Parents are the primary role models. Nothing saddened me more than child’s neglect. It hurts my heart to the point of tears when I visit a family and all the children are home playing video games or watching television while the parents are at church. I think it is selfish for parents to ensure that their spiritual needs are met while they are neglecting the spiritual needs of their children. They need God just as much as the adults if not more. Children are more vulnerable to the attacks of the devil. Children need to be protected. They need to know how to fight the good fight of faith and they will not learn by watching television.
Parents, at the appointed time, God will hold you accountable for your role in your children’s lives. Will you be able to hold your head up or will you bow down in shame? Remember, children are gifts of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3
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| Stat them up early. |
It is never too late to change the direction of your home. Choose to serve the Lord with all your heart. Choose to instill the love of God in your children's lives. Choose to be the role model they so desperately need.
Praise the Lord!
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