The world we live in appears to be consumed with the idea of success. As parents, we too want our children to succeed in life. But what does that look like and how motivated are you to help your child succeed?

If you are a parent who desires your child to succeed academically, you will most likely purchase necessary school supplies and see that your child attends school regularly. You may offer assistance with homework assignments and class projects to help your child gain a better understanding of each subject.

A parent who desires his child to succeed at sports will typically buy the needed equipment to play the game, place the child on a team, and set aside time to help his child practice a particular skill set. He may invest in lessons and, perhaps, even assist with coaching.

So what is typical behavior for a parent who is motivated to see his or her child succeed spiritually?

If you are a parent who desires to see your child achieve personal spiritual success, you will train him according to the Bible’s definition of success. Joshua 1:8 states: Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. This means that you will:

  • Encourage your child to live according to the absolute truth of God’s Word, rather than by the values set forth by society or other parents.
  • Consistently invest in the Word of God through daily Bible study and prayer while helping your child to recognize opportunities to apply truth.
  • Provide opportunities to practice memorizing and implementing truth in practical ways as you and your child experience life together.
  • Most importantly, as a highly motivated parent, you will choose to personally obey truth, giving your child a living example of Jesus to follow.

Since there is no short cut to spiritual success, it’s helpful for children to learn that Jesus will walk with them every step of the way. As a child grows to depend more deeply on the truth of God’s Word and the power of His Spirit, they will become victorious over temptation and sin, making them spiritually successful in each and every circumstance in life.

Photo courtesy Mattox.