What steps can we take to prioritize spiritual growth in our family life? Where We Might Leave Jesus Behind “After the feast was over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. His parents were unaware He had stayed.” Luke 2:43 Mary and Joseph loved God, yet even they managed to travel a full day before discovering Jesus was missing. Busy schedules, even “good” activities, can leave us in the same place—moving ahead without the Lord. The following steps help keep every family member walking closely with Him. Step 1: Decide That Christ Is Non-Negotiable • Joshua 24:15—“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” • Clarify as a household: loving, worshiping, and obeying Jesus outrank every hobby, sport, or pursuit. • Draft a simple family mission statement that names Him openly. Step 2: Keep Scripture Flowing Daily • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls parents to speak God’s words “when you sit…walk…lie down…rise.” • Read even five verses aloud together; consistency matters more than length. • Supply age-appropriate Bibles alongside the so everyone can follow. • Memorize passages as a team—start with Luke 2:52; Psalm 23; John 3:16-17. Step 3: Pray as Naturally as Breathing • 1 Thessalonians 5:17—“Pray without ceasing.” • Pray in the car, before a test, after good news, when discipline is given. • Rotate leadership so children learn to speak to their Father with confidence. Step 4: Anchor Weekends in Corporate Worship • Hebrews 10:24-25—do not neglect meeting together. • Treat Sunday gathering as immovable; arrive early, sing loudly, take notes. • Discuss the sermon or lessons over lunch to reinforce truth. Step 5: Model Obedience and Repentance • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word.” • Let kids see parents apologize quickly and seek forgiveness. • Correct with Scripture, not anger (Ephesians 6:4). Step 6: Serve Shoulder to Shoulder • Galatians 5:13—“Serve one another in love.” • Pick at least one ministry everyone can share: greeting, baking for neighbors, writing missionaries. • Anticipate, serve, debrief—so lessons stick. Step 7: Guard Hearts and Gateways • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence.” • Keep screens in public spaces; review content together. • Establish tech curfews and invite honest talk about temptations. Step 8: Celebrate Spiritual Milestones • Psalm 78:4—tell the next generation His deeds. • Rejoice over baptisms, finished reading plans, mission trips. • Use journals, photos, and testimonies to mark God’s faithfulness. Step 9: Keep Short Accounts with Jesus • 1 John 1:9—confess and be cleansed. • End each day with a five-minute family check-in: “Did we walk with Jesus today?” • Repent together, rest in His grace, rise refreshed. Step 10: Stay Watchful on the Journey • Luke 2:44-45 shows Mary and Joseph searching until they found Jesus. • Periodically ask, “Have we drifted? Where might Jesus be waiting for us to notice Him?” • Adjust quickly; vigilance preserves joy. By weaving these practices into ordinary routines, families ensure no one journeys forward without the Savior at the center. |
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