Many parents live in survival mode, being pulled from all directions and juggling ever-increasing responsibilities. In the rush of school, work, and household activities, it’s easy to lose our focus on what really matters: the eternal future of our children and ourselves.
How can you be more tuned in to this “end goal” of spending eternity in heaven? Talk with your pastor or a valued friend to brainstorm what your kids need to know about God and when. Plan ways to incorporate Jesus into everyday life—and on an everyday basis. Make sure everyone’s on the same page. Talk to your spouse, family members, and caregivers about your spiritual priorities, even if you think they already know them.
Then be intentional with your choices. Arrange your plans around the big-picture goal. If activities start to interfere with what’s really important, reevaluate and rework your family’s schedule. When faith becomes the top priority for your family, it’ll also become the top priority for your children.
InSIGHTS
• 85% of parents of children under age 13 say they believe they have the primary responsibility for teaching kids about religious and spiritual matters. (Just 11% said their church is primarily responsible.) Yet a majority of those parents “do not spend any time during a typical week discussing religious matters or studying religious materials with their children.”
• Most people become Christians by age 12 or 13.
(Barna Research Group)
