By Brian
Mitchell
In the sports world, it
is said that championships are won or lost in the preparation. In other words, those who put the most into
their preparation, usually have the greatest success when it is time to put
that preparation into practice.
The same principle applies in Christianity, especially as they relate to
our children. Those young people who go
on from their parents to live successful lives, especially in the spiritual
sense, are many times the ones who were prepared the best before they left.
It is for this reason
that Paul exhorts parents to “bring their children up in the training and
admonition of the Lord” (Eph.6:4). Preparation to be successful spiritually
involves 2 aspects as we see from an example in the OT—Teaching by
example—Deut.6:1-3 and Teaching by word—Deut.6:6-9. As we have noted, Jesus grew in intellect, in
stature, and in favor with God and man. In favor with God indicates that Jesus
grew spiritually as He walked this earth and following His example of growth,
we too must help our own children understand the importance of continued
spiritual growth.
In this lesson we will
examine how we can help our children grow in spirit. Real and lasting
spirituality comes from a close and personal relationship with God and that is
something that every person must develop for themselves. Thus, the greatest
thing we can share with our children is our own personal relationship with God
so that they might develop their own. In the end they must develop their own
because no one can live off of another’s relationship forever.
Perhaps the song
“Without Him” expresses best the blessings which come from a close relationship
with God and the consequences of not having that relationship. “Without Him I
would be nothing, without Him I’d surely fail. Without Him I would be drifting,
like a ship without a sail. Without Him I would be dying, without Him I’d be
enslaved. Without Him life would be hopeless, but with Jesus, thank God, I’m
saved.”
What blessings can our
children expect to enjoy when they grow closer to God? The blessings of God’s
comfort—2 Cor.1:3-4. In times of sorrow, when facing death—Ps.23:1-6, when
overwhelmed by the trials of life—Jm.1:2-6 and when weighted down with concerns
for others—Eph.6:21-22.
We
have the assurances of God. That He cares for us—1 Pet.5:7, that He will never
forsake us—Heb.13:5-6 and that all things will work out for
our ultimate good—Rom.8:28. We
have the promise
of heavenly peace—Jn.14:23, Jn.16:33 and Prov.16:7. These are just a few
of the
blessings that we
and our children
can enjoy by
growing up spiritually.
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