We have been exploring several important parenting principles. Here is one more: Be sure to lead your children spiritually.

There are all kinds of ways to do this. Bring them to church. Worship as a family. Read the Bible together. Let them see you reading God’s Word. Show them how to apply God’s Word to their lives. Let them see you pray. Show them how to pray. Pray for your family. Pray with your family. Show your children how to have a daily devotional life.

Your child’s spiritual development is a significant responsibility. Dads, it is up to you to lead the way. It is up to you to be the spiritual leader in your home. What would it look like for you to give the best of your time, energy and passion at home instead of spending it all at work?

Discipleship begins in the home, but it is important for the church to partner with parents in the process of raising their children to know and follow Jesus. That partnership can be a powerful influence in a child’s life.

It is awesome when others in the church begin to know and love your kids and take an interest in them. That opens the door for them to speak into the life of your kids.

They may speak words that reinforce what you have already been saying. They may speak words that you have not spoken but that your kids need to hear. Both are important.

The church should help equip you to be the primary spiritual influence in your kids’ lives. Some parents have tried to delegate the spiritual component of parenting to the church, but the truth is parents are to be the primary influence when it comes to the spiritual growth and development of their children. You can’t outsource that responsibility.

Our parenting often focuses on how our kids will turn out, but we also need to consider how we are turning out as parents. God will use your parenting experiences to continue his transforming work in your life. That’s what happens as he seeks to refine in you the image of his son, Jesus Christ.

God loves your kids more than you do. Their success in life does not depend on you. It depends on the holy spirit working through you and in them to accomplish his will. There’s so much less pressure when you think of it that way. Remember, your job isn’t to get your kids to Harvard. Your focus is on getting them to heaven.

Steve Greene is the lead pastor of The Point in Seymour. Read his blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or email him at [email protected]. Send comments to [email protected].