If you are a person of faith, you are tasked by God Himself to be the primary spiritual leader for your children. You are the one who should have the most influence, the most input,  and the highest level of concern over where they are spiritually.

There is a trend that I see today in our families. Parents are more concerned about their child’s behavior than their character. They’re more involved in their child’s sports than they are their Sunday School. They’re more worried about academics than their basic Biblical understanding.

I’ve seen it dozens of times in my 10+ years of ministry. Parents who brush off church services for sporting events. Then when child grows into a teen and loses all interest in Church and a relationship with God they come to me wondering what went wrong. I’ve never had a parent who prioritized their child’s spiritual upbringing come running, eyes wide with fear.

“Exercise is good for your body, but religion helps you in every way. It promises life now and forever.” These words are worthwhile and should not be forgotten.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 (Contemporary English Version)

I’m not saying that we need to quit caring about these things… I’m just arguing that we need to care about spiritual things more… and most. Our enemy doesn’t care if your kid is smart, athletic or talented. He can make use of any of that… but if your child becomes smart and spiritual, athletic and Godly, talented and discipled… that’s a threat.

My advice? Do an audit of your child’s spiritual life. Have you met their Sunday School teachers? Do you know their minister? If they go to a Christian school or daycare have you met the Chaplin? Have you ever sat through a class? Requested a copy of their policies and procedures? Do you know what they’re teaching?

Your child’s spiritual upbringing is your responsibility. It’s not like ballet or soccer… we can’t trust someone else to teach it to them. And we can’t take for granted that they’re getting what they need outside our home.

Your feedback and comments are welcome.