It is understandably one of the most difficult parts of being a Christian parent, watching and waiting to see if they continue on the path of their faith. Measuring spiritual development is significantly more difficult to measure compared to physical development.
So what does spiritual development look like and what does the Bible say as we consider their development? I’ve often heard spiritual development for children compared to a space rocket taking off. You have the boosters that push the rocket into orbit, and then the rocket takes over as the boosters fall off. Just like those boosters, parents have the profound responsibility and privilege of teaching God to them and pushing them up into the atmosphere. In subtle yet powerful ways, they learn about the Heavenly Father by observing parent’s actions and behaviours.In their journey of discovering God, our young children absorb everything we teach them. They naturally trust us and often show a remarkable openness to the gospel of the Saviour. Their innate understanding of consequences for their actions makes the concept of Jesus dying for their sins deeply meaningful to them. As Jesus himself taught, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14). It is heartening to know that statistics indicate many adults who now follow Christ first embraced Him during their childhood. The role of parents is to nurture this early connection with God, guiding them with love and understanding, and fostering an environment where their faith can flourish. By doing so, we help them lay a strong foundation for their spiritual journey, ensuring they can carry the light of Christ with them as they grow.
But then, teenagers begin to discover their own faith, they begin to question, and in this critical moment, the rocket of their faith will ignite to push them further. Consequently, the ages between twelve and twenty-one emerge as absolutely crucial years in our children’s spiritual journey with the Lord. It is during this period that they require our active engagement. Instead of reducing communication, they actually need more of it, albeit in a different manner. Rather than delivering lectures, they benefit from our willingness to ask questions and encourage their curiosity. We should embrace their inquiries while instilling confidence that answers exist. As parents, it is vital to anticipate this phase and commit to guiding them through it until they are fully convinced. During these formative years, our children greatly benefit from conversations with trusted mentors. These individuals can provide valuable perspectives and support as they navigate their beliefs and understanding. However, above all else, what they truly need is a deep, meaningful connection to our hearts. By fostering this emotional bond, we ensure they feel loved, accepted, and understood as they explore their faith and spirituality. Our unwavering support and genuine interest in their spiritual growth will play a pivotal role in shaping their relationship with the Lord for years to come.
But even then, it can be difficult to hold on to the faith that those teens will continue their walk with Christ. So we turn to the Bible to God’s promises.
God has set eternity on their heart. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it is promised that God has set eternity on each and every heart. Each child has received something from God that awakens them to the reality of eternity and the promise of heaven. Trust God’s Word that in your child’s heart, they are aware that there is an eternal life for them.
God is pursuing your child. God’s passionate pursuit of us involved sending His beloved Son to die in our place. Because we could not reach Him through our own efforts, He reached down to us. He pursues us even when we are obstinate: to the Israelites, God said, “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations—a people who continually provoke me to my very face” (Isaiah 65:1–3).
God hears yours prayers. Every prayer that you offer up for your child is heard by God. We’re promised that when we have faith, God will move (Mark 11:24). We may pray for years, but he will remain faithful to us.
