This weekend we helped the children learn the biblical account of the boy Jesus in the Temple. We also helped them learn about God and grow in their faith too.

An Irish proverb says, “You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.” This proverb sounds comical, but there is much truth to it. If we apply this saying to our spiritual lives, then we have to take the initiative and responsibility to learn about God and to grow. Yes, corporate gatherings such as worship, Sunday school, and fellowship are vital because we need one another. Yet we play a major part in nurturing our spiritual growth as well. One part is simply having the desire to learn and to grow in our relationship with God. In this weekend’s lesson, the children connected with this biblical account of the boy Jesus in the Temple.

As a parent, you are instrumental to the spiritual growth of your children. The children not only listen to what you say, but watch and see how you respond and act. As you nurture the faith of your children, make sure to take the time to nurture your own faith. Set aside quiet time to talk and listen to God. You might want to use a book of devotions and the Bible. Also, solicit the prayers of others for you and your children. If you are a new parent, seek the guidance and wisdom from “veteran” parents. As the family of God, we are members of the body of Christ, so we can help one another. At the same time, we need time apart from worship settings to have our own personal sabbaths. Growing in Christ and the knowledge of God is a lifelong process.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor”. Luke 2:52