Spiritual Development

As parents we get concerned and worry about our children’s physical development – how they’re meeting milestones, if they’re healthy, their height and weight. We worry about their cognitive development – what grades they get, how well they’re doing in school, their speech development. Thinking about their social development keeps us awake at night – who are their friends, how do they get along with others, etc. But how much thought goes into their spiritual development? Are we providing them with opportunities that will create a healthy development of this? Do they attend small group? Are they consistent in attending worship? Do you pray, read the BIble, and serve as a family? HOw often do we discuss spritual issues in our homes? Sure, we give our kiddos vitamins and medicine for their health. We create opportunities for them to hang out with friends and take them to birthday parties. We help our children with their homework.

What about meeting with doctors when we have a physical development concern to assess the situation? What about meeting with teachers when we have a cognitive development or social development question? Few parents meet with their child’s Children’s Minister or small group leader to assess their child’s spiritual development.

I want to challenge you to take your responsibility as a parent raising a spiritual child seriously. The church is there to assist and provide resources, but ultimately the responsibility rests in your hands, in your house, as the parents.