Three Things Parents Should Stop Doing - Part 1



As Christian parents, we desire to pass our faith onto our children, but honestly, sometimes we just aren't sure how to make it happen. Our motives are right, but our methods are far from effective. Over the next few days, I want to talk about 3 things parents should stop doing.

These are things I've observed over the years. They are habits that we often unknowingly pick up hoping that they'll help us, but they can actually hurt us.


1. Stop being super spiritual 

Look, I get that you really, really, really want your teenager to love Jesus. Any good, godly parent wants that, but cramming it down their throat by running around the house constantly talking about deep spiritual truths or turning every moment into some spiritual lesson is not going to work. In fact, I would imagine it might have the opposite of your intended effect.

Some of the best advice I ever received in life was this - Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is unspiritual. 

Want your kids to love Jesus? Start by loving your kids.

Spend time with them.

Act like you want to be with them and they might actually act like they want to be with you.

Have fun with them just to have fun with them.

Stop turning everything into some spiritual lesson. Should you read the Bible with your kids? YES Should you pray with your kids? YES

But if you're not having fun with your kids, if they do not know they are loved by you (not just words, but actions), and if you don't spend time with them -  Your family devotion time and super spiritual talk isn't going to matter to them.

I'm not arguing that you EXCLUDE Jesus, I'm simply saying that the best way to INCLUDE Jesus is to BE JESUS to your kids by loving them and spending time with them.

My pastor often says it this way, "Rules without relationship fosters rebellion."

Too many Christian parents are great at enforcing the rules and teaching their kids to be "spiritual." But horrible at forming real relationships with them.

Take some time this week and just have fun with your kids. Laugh with them. Play a game with them. Not because you want anything from them, but because you love them!

Do this consistently, and they'll start to listen more when you do talk about faith.

Stop Being Super Spiritual AND Start Having Fun

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