When it comes to spiritual growth, each child has an empty photo album that needs pictures. Although God created them as unique individuals, from the first moment you hold them you are adding to their album and forming their picture of the world. When you protect them and love them by caring for their basic needs, they learn that they are loved and the world is a safe place. They need to know this is also true spiritually, so you need to demonstrate, with actions and words, that God is like you: He also cares for them, keeps them safe, and makes sure that their needs are met. When they hear and see this repeatedly, they begin to build a worldview with a Christian foundation that sets them up for life.
In these early years they are dependent on you to feed and nourish them spiritually. As soon as you know you are pregnant, pray for them, and pray simple, short prayers over them that affirm God’s love and care. When you consistently pray for them, they learn what prayer is and that God is interested. You can begin this even before they know what talking is. Simply thank God for them out loud, pray that He gives them a good sleep, and thank Him for putting them in our life. In doing this you are giving them the basics of the Christian fait: God is real, He made them and loves them, He takes care of them, and prayer is talking to God. You are giving them their first snapshots of life. It’s probably a collage of impressions: love, comfort, security, smiles and frowns, happiness, care – all pieced together within a bright border that says, “Mommy, Daddy, and God love me. I am special!” What a way to start off their life’s photo album!
From Focus on the Family “Parents’ guide to the spiritual growth of children”.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)