What do we do to bring up spiritual children? I think there at least three areas: Devotions, Training and Example.
Devotions: When I say devotions I mean reading the Bible as a family, aloud, all together in one place at regular, consistent times. The Bible is the primary source of our knowledge about who and what and why God is, and what he requires. There are other means such as at church or Sunday school or TV ministries, but how do you know what they are saying is what the Bible says? You must read the Bible to know what it says so you can compare it to what the other sources are telling you. Remember the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word . . .”
Training: We can interpret what the Bible is saying to us and our children as we are reading it to them. We can direct them to other reliable Bible teachers. We can assure they are among upright, wholesome friends, families and other teachers. We can oversee what types of media (books, movies, TV, internet, etc.) they consume. We can encourage them when they demonstrate good character and correct them when they don’t. We can support them as they engage in activities such as sports, band, theater, etc. and converse with them about their experiences.
Example: The most effective method is to be a good example. They will learn as they see us talk among ourselves in the family and with others in public. They will learn about character as they see our character. They will learn what is fair and reasonable as they view us being fair and reasonable. We show them what good works are by doing good works ourselves. It won’t be so hard to “do as we say” as we ourselves do as we say. They will learn about giving as they see us giving and as they experience what we give to them.
