Spiritual Leadership for Parents Of: KidsSample

Keep It Natural

Your doorbell rings, probably interrupting dinner. You reluctantly rise from the obviously meaningful dinner conversation you were having with your family. You open the door, expecting to have to shoo away yet another solar company’s sales rep. To your great dread, however, there is a pair of friendly, well-groomed strangers eagerly greeting you with one burning question: “Could we take a moment of your time to talk with you about the Lord?” Your pre-rehearsed excuse to decline another offer to install solar panels isn’t going to work now. A lesser person would panic and invite them in, but not you. You smile despite the awkwardness and refer them to the neighbor who never returned your leaf blower. Crisis averted.

Why are these “out-of-the-blue” conversations about God so ineffective and awkward? It could be simply that they are so unnatural. They are obviously forced and uncomfortable for those who are not seeking the conversation.

So what is a better way? This question is especially important for those of us who want to set the spiritual temperature in our homes. How can we spiritually lead our family without forcing conversation, making it awkward, or pushing loved ones away?

The Scripture from Deuteronomy gives us a perfect picture of how this can work. Notice in Deuteronomy 6:7 it says, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.“ The idea here is to keep these things natural. Be looking for opportunities to talk about God, and then take advantage of the opportunities you get.

A great place to start is bedtime with kids. Ask each kid what he/she is thankful for from that day, and then pray with them a simple prayer thanking God for what they said. Another natural place for conversation is the dinner table. As kids share about their day, use words that encourage them in their challenges and celebrate their wins. Let them know you believe in them and are praying for them. One last idea, in the car when everyone is strapped in and can’t go anywhere, pick a music playlist that will encourage, inspire, and infuse their minds with godly thoughts.

Formality can be the enemy of authentic connection. And your connection to those you are leading will be the bridge for spiritual conversations.

Today, pray this simple prayer: “God, today I ask You to help me notice opportunities to share You with others, especially those closest to me.”

Now buckle up and see what God does. Chances are, He’s not leading you to a random front door, He’s just leading you through your own.