Some Thought Questions for Spiritual Training

I came upon this gem looking through my dad’s old bulletin articles and notes. No matter how old your child is, these are some excellent questions to remind us of what is most important in our parenting.

Some Thought Questions for Spiritual Training

1. “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Mark 12:30)
   a. Is your child learning of the love of God through the love, mercy and tenderness of her parents?
   b. Is she learning to talk about God and to include Him in her thoughts and plans?
   c. Is she learning to turn to Jesus for help whenever she is frightened or lonely?
   d. Is she learning to read the Bible?
   e. Is she learning to pray?
2. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31)
   a. Is she learning to understand and empathize with others?
   b. Is she learning not to be selfish and demanding?
   c. Is she learning to share?
   d. Is she learning not to gossip and criticize others?
3. “Teach them to do your will; for you are my God” (Psalm 143:10)
   a. Is she learning to obey her parents as preparation for later obedience to God?
   b. Is she learning to listen in worship services?
   c. Is she learning the meaning of sin and its consequences?
   d. Is she learning the meaning of forgiveness and its healing?
4. “Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
   a. Is she learning the moral and spiritual demands of God?
   b. Is she learning a respect and reverence for things holy (such as worship)?
   c. Is she learning the real purpose of life (ie service for God, not gratification of her own desires)?
5. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”(Galatians 5:22-23)
   a. Is she learning to develop the inner qualities, the Christ-likeness that this passage depicts?
   b. Is she developing love and kindness towards others?
   c. Is her life characterized by joy and peace or turmoil and bitterness?
   d. Is she learning to be gentle with animals, with possessions, and with others’ feelings?
   e. Is she learning self control (ie that not everything in life will be hers “on demand,” that some things must be earned with effort, dedication, self sacrifice, taking responsibility)?

Photo by Maksym Mazur on Unsplash