Our children face attacks from the enemy daily, and God has given parents the important task of training them to fight spiritual battles. Building a biblical worldview and developing a strong spiritual life doesn’t begin in churches but within the walls of our own homes. While the church should come alongside and support parents, most of a child’s spiritual preparation should take place at home.
What is Spiritual Preparation?
A child’s spiritual preparation includes developing a personal relationship with God and adopting a biblical worldview that shapes their understanding and response to the world around them. Training children to respond to the world around them in a God-honoring way helps them become bold witnesses for Christ.
In a world where hopelessness seems to be on the rise — evident in increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse — spiritual preparation is more important than ever. Children need to learn their identity belongs in Christ, and they can know who they are by developing a relationship with Him.
Why Should Home be the Primary Place of Spiritual Preparation?
While the church plays a crucial role in the spiritual growth of children, the home is where the most impactful spiritual preparation takes place. After all, the lessons children learn from their parents become ingrained the deepest and last the longest.
God’s Design for the Home
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. — Deuteronomy 6:6-9
When the Israelites were about to enter the land God promised to them, Moses reminded them of the importance of passing along their faith to the next generation. He tasked them with in-home discipleship of their children so the next generation could see how living for God impacts all areas of life. God’s plan for the family involves parents reproducing in their children a life marked by love and service to God.
Perspective From History
The National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts serves as a powerful reminder of America's spiritual roots. This monument tells the story of the nation's beginnings and its biblical foundation. It is a testament to the importance early Americans placed on the spiritual preparation and education of children.
The founding fathers knew society would only flourish when parents took responsibility for training their children to follow God. They knew that liberty and freedom only come through obedience to God, and obedience to God is best taught in the home.
4 Key Elements of Spiritual Preparation
With in-home discipleship being so vital for children, what are the characteristics of a home that is flourishing spiritually?
- Parental Leadership
Just as the young mother figure in the National Monument to the Forefathers holds a Bible, parents today must be prepared to teach their children about God and His Word.
That means parents must devote themselves to spiritual growth so they can reproduce that spiritual maturity in their children. After all, one cannot reproduce what they don’t possess.
2. Intergenerational Wisdom
The monument also depicts an older man representing wisdom, reminding us of involving grandparents and older generations in preparing young people spiritually. Their life experiences and accumulated wisdom are invaluable in shaping a biblical worldview.
3. Biblical Foundation
At the core of spiritual preparation is a solid grounding in Scripture. Both the young mother and the older man in the monument have open Bibles, emphasizing the importance of God's Word in education and wisdom.
4. Worldview Development
Spiritual preparation isn't just about learning Bible stories — it's about developing a comprehensive worldview and learning to obey God. The globe depicted next to the wisdom figure in the monument reminds us that our spiritual preparation should equip us to engage with the world from a biblical perspective.
The Impact of Spiritual Preparation on Society
The decline of in-home spiritual preparation has profoundly affected society. Over generations, we've seen a significant decrease in those holding a Christian worldview considering:
- 65% of the WWII generation held a Christian worldview
- 32% of the Boomer generation holds a Christian worldview
- 16% of Generation X holds a Christian worldview
- 4% of Millennials and Gen Z hold a Christian worldview
As the generations have shifted away from living by Biblical principles, we have seen a rise in social and moral challenges in our world. When we fail to prepare children spiritually, we leave them vulnerable to competing worldviews and ideologies. As a result, the church loses its effectiveness and fails to establish a bBiblical moral climate in society. On the other hand, children with a strong spiritual foundation grow into adults who impact society in God-honoring ways.
5 Practical Steps for Spiritual Preparation at Home
What are some ways parents can begin to train their children spiritually?
- Daily Bible Reading. Make Scripture reading a family habit. Even a few verses each day can have a profound impact over time. Meals and bedtime make for great times to open the Bible together.
- Family Discussions. Create opportunities for open dialogue about faith, doubts, and questions. This helps children develop critical thinking skills within a biblical framework. These discussions can help build strong family relationships and can take place in the car on the way to soccer practice or while doing chores.
- Prayer Time. Establish regular family prayer time. This teaches children the importance of relying on God and seeking His guidance. It’s also important for children to see their parents praying throughout the day for all kinds of requests.
- Service Projects. Engage in ministry opportunities as a family. This helps children learn how to live out their faith and develop empathy. From volunteering in a food pantry to serving refugees, the options for family-oriented ministry projects are wide-ranging.
- Intergenerational Interactions. Encourage relationships between your children and older, spiritually mature individuals who can offer wisdom and perspective. These relationships can serve as mentorship for both your children and for you as a parent.
Overcoming Challenges in Spiritual Preparation
Spiritual preparation at home isn't always easy. There are numerous challenges to establishing in-home discipleship, including:
- Time constraints
- Competing influences from media and peers
- Our own spiritual doubts and struggles
However, these challenges make home-based spiritual preparation even more crucial. By acknowledging our limitations and relying on God's grace, we can create an environment where genuine faith can flourish.
How the Church Supports Home-Based Spiritual Preparation
While spiritual preparation begins at home, churches play a vital supporting role. Churches can:
- Offer intergenerational programs that foster relationships between the young and old.
- Create environments where families can learn and grow together.
Takeaway
As the world keeps drifting farther away from God, the need for spiritually prepared children has never been greater. It's time for us to reclaim our homes as primary centers for spiritual education and growth.
Let's draw inspiration from the National Monument to the Forefathers and remember God's mandate to pass on our faith. By taking responsibility for our families' spiritual preparation, we can help shape a generation equipped to face the future with faith, wisdom, and hope.
Remember, spiritual preparation isn't just about preserving tradition, it's about equipping our children to engage with the world in ways that reflect God's love and truth. As we invest in our families' spiritual preparation, we're not just changing individual lives — we're shaping society's future.