Raising Our Kids to Be Successful Socially

By Brian Mitchell       In Lk.2:52, the Word of God states that Jesus “grew in wisdom, and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Thus, Jesus grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.  As we think about raising children to be successful, the early life of Jesus I believe is given to serve as a pretty successful model for child development. If we can help our children grow in these 4 areas, especially spiritually, then we have given them everything they will need to be truly successful in life in all areas. Having discussed the first 3 areas already, in this last lesson we will turn our thought to helping our children grow socially.      The importance of social growth cannot be overstated when it comes to developing a successful life. God did not create man to live in isolation, but rather as a part of society in general.  It is as the old saying goes, “no man is an island unto himself.” God made us social creatures who desire contact with others—Gen.2:18. Thus, we do not live our lives in a vacuum, but rather as a part of society influencing and being influenced by those around us.     The importance of social growth cannot be overstated when it comes to developing a successful life. God did not create man to live in isolation, but rather as a part of society in general.  It is as the old saying goes, “no man is an island unto himself.” God made us social creatures who desire contact with others—Gen.2:18. Thus, we do not live our lives in a vacuum, but rather as a part of society influencing and being influenced by those around us.     So in our efforts to raise our children to be successful, let us not forget to teach them how to interact with and be a positive part of society. I think one of the biggest keys to developing socially is learning to be content.  We live in a world that breeds and fosters discontentment. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements which impress upon our minds the desire for more to the point where we feel we deserve more.     A lot of people don’t develop socially because they were never taught that sometimes the world says no to us. Discontentment leads to worldliness and the pursuit of worldly desires which are in direct conflict with spiritual desires and responsibilities. Mt.6:24, says that no man can serve 2 masters. Thus, we must teach our young people that “life does not in the abundance of things we possess” (Lk.12:15). When it does the things we possess end up possessing us instead of the other way around.     Thus, teach your children to lay up treasures in heaven, and be content with the things God has blessed us with. Our children can’t live in a vacuum, regardless of how much we may wish they could. Rather they are called to live in this world and to do so in a positive manner which brings glory to God and draws people to His Son. May we all endeavor to raise children, who like Jesus, grow in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net