Dads and Moms: 5 reasons you should spoil kids spiritually

    What parent doesn’t love to spoil their kids — when they’re behaving of course! I absolutely love rewarding my children when their behavior is exceptional — a date with mom, an ice cream cone, a toy from the dollar aisle or a fun getaway in nature. I also love spoiling my kids through the privilege of playing a sport they love or honing their musical skills.
    Lately I’ve been challenged by the idea as to whether I’m spoiling them enough spiritually. Meaning, am I prioritizing their spiritual life above all the good things God gives us like sports, friends, social life, games, technology and more? Am I lavish towards them in what will impact them for eternity — teaching them God’s word, spending time in devotions and prayer, memorizing Scripture, worshipping through our praise and thankfulness, making sure our home is one that reveals God’s love and acceptance?
    Growing up, my dad and mom were intentional in how they raised my sister and me. Our spiritual lives were priority to them even as we were busy athletes. In fact, they chose our church primarily because it had a strong youth group. They also knew how important it was to set a foundation early so they encouraged us to take mission trips, attend Bible studies and Wednesday night Bible study, participate in churchwide evangelism, serve others through hospitality, engage in discipleship groups, read our Bibles and devotionals, and more.
    I remember thinking one day, I can’t believe my parents are letting me do this, when traveling to Puerto Rico with my youth group to share the gospel and restore homes for others. I can’t recall a time when they said “no” to opportunities that would grow and stretch my faith and belief in Christ.
    Even at a time when my heart drifted towards rebellion from the Lord, his Word was always sown in my heart because of their faithfulness to focus on me spiritually. I still knew God’s love for me even when I wasn’t living like it.

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