While there's no surefire way to ensure your child's journey toward loving and following Jesus, we've spoken to parents of teens and young adults who've recently found their faith. They graciously shared family habits and spiritual practices that made a difference. Here's what they had to say:
Family habits:
*Read the Bible together. Include reading scriptures as part of younger children's bedtime routine.
*Pray with them. Make it part of your morning routine, such as on the way to school.
*Eat together. Prioritise regular family meals without electronic distractions. Use this time to share daily highs and lows.
*Do life together. Share life experiences together, such as hosting celebrations and serving others in need.
*Commit to consistent and creative devotionals. Allow each family member the opportunity to lead.
Kingdom practices:
*Seek first the Kingdom. Make church and family Bible discussions a priority, showing, through your decisions, the Kingdom is your focus.
*Be part of a spiritual community. Connect with other families, share meals, celebrate, mourn, serve, and build friendships. Create a sense of belonging.
If you are already putting these into practice, we trust you will grow stronger in them. And if they are not yet a part of your life, perhaps they could be a goal to pursue in 2024.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6