A child should be exposed to a carefully conceived, systematic program of spiritual training. Yet we are much too haphazard about this crucial matter. Perhaps if we recognized the target we would hit it more often.
Essentially, the six scriptural concepts that follow provide the foundation on which all future doctrine and faith will rest. They comprise, in effect, the substance of the conscience. Christian parents can use these six concepts as broad guidelines in the nurturing of their children.
Concept 1: Love the Lord your God with all your heart (Mark 12:30)
Is your child learning…
- Of the love of God through your own love, tenderness, and mercy as a parent? (Most important)
- To talk about the Lord, and to include Him in his/her thoughts and plans?
- To turn to Jesus for help whenever he/she is frightened or anxious or lonely?
- To read the Bible?
- To pray?
- The meaning of faith and trust?
- The joy of the Christian way of life?
- The beauty of Jesus’ birth and death?
Concept 2: Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31)
Is your child learning…
- To understand and empathize with the feelings of others?
- To be selfish and demanding?
- To share?
- How to be kind to others?
- To accept himself/herself?
Concept 3: Teach me to do your will, for you are my God (Psalm 143:10)
Is your child learning…
- To obey you as preparation for later obedience to God? (Most important)
- To behave properly in church, God’s house?
- A healthy appreciation for both aspects of God’s nature: love and justice?
- To cooperate with, and submit to, authorities outside of self: parents, teachers, policemen, etc.?
- The meaning of sin and its inevitable consequences?
Concept 4: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Is your child learning…
- To be truthful and honest?
- To keep the Sabbath day holy?
- The relative insignificance of materialism?
- The meaning of the Christian family, and the faithfulness to it which God intends?
Concept 5: But the fruit of the Spirit is…self-control (Galatians 5:22,23)
Is your child learning…
- To give a portion of his/her allowance (and other money) to God?
- To control his/her impulses?
- To work and carry responsibility?
- To tolerate minor frustration?
- To memorize and quote Scripture?
Concept 6: He who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11)
Is your child learning…
- A sense of appreciation?
- To thank God for the good things in his/her life?
- To forgive and forget?
- The vast difference between self-worth and egotistical pride?
- To bow reverently before the God of the universe?
In conclusion, your child’s first seven years should prepare him/her to say at the age of accountability, “Here am I, Lord, send me!” A properly informed conscience is the key to that preparation.
From Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Parents.
