It has happened to all of us parents at one time or another. It might have happened at home. It might have happened at a store. Depending on the child’s age, it would have induced panic!
The reality is that as parents we can get so caught up in our activities and distractions that we suddenly wonder, “Who’s watching the kids?” We then realize that we have not been watching them and they are no longer beside us. Knowing they could get into trouble or trouble could find them, we call and search until we find them. What relief we feel when we know they are with us!
We can see that scenario. What if the setting, though, was their heart? Are we comfortable wondering about the spiritual condition of our children? It may be that we get caught up in the activities of our children’s lives or our own lives and we miss out on tending their hearts.
Who’s watching the hearts of the kids?
The care of a child’s heart is foremost a parental responsibility (Deuteronomy 6:7, Ephesians 6:4). We need to ask ourselves if we are willing to go out of our comfort zone in order to guide them in the Christian faith. Is it a goal of ours to help our children grow in the knowledge and love of God? The consequences of spiritual training are weighty. Not only does it affect the heart toward eternal decisions, but it teaches godly values, provides a moral compass, and encourages compassion for others. Someone is going to put ideas in their minds and pictures in their eyes. Why not have it be you showing them God’s ways?
As parents, we need to guide our children and ask God for his will to be done in their lives. We must give them over to him, because we cannot control their hearts, just guide them. Praying for our children during every stage of life, from pre-born through adulthood, is one aspect of this. The situational topics may change, but our children’s need for God’s protection, direction, and conviction are always present, and so are their needs for submission, adoration, and devotion toward God.
As Christ followers, we know that we are to disciple others – to tell them about Jesus and teach them his ways (Matthew 28:19-20). In our families, we have built-in discipleship opportunities with our children!
As we live our faith both in front of and alongside our children, we model loving and serving God. This gives us opportunity to practice spurring one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). We can let our light shine before our children – with our good deeds pointing them to God, for his glory (Matthew 6:16).
Lead your children in the ways of the Lord – on purpose and by example!
Need a simple structure to put this into practice? Let a Do LAPS! book help – and pair it with a BRAN journal for you to grow deeper as you lead your child.