spirituality and young families

We have heard of the saying “The family that prays together stays together". The prayers can be offered in many circumstances – worship and prayer at a Sunday Service, in the home, on holidays, wherever. Let’s start before this though, by looking at the Biblical foundations for families and work from there.

Spirituality in families

In a Christian context, spirituality in families is not simply teaching doctrines. The word ‘doctrine’ simply means ‘teaching’. It is often used in the sense of a collection of beliefs that relate to specific biblical issues. In its broadest sense, it means a collection of teachings that can (and perhaps should) include issues relating to life-style and practices.  In this sense, spirituality in families, includes beliefs and practices. This means that the whole of a family’s life should have its ‘doctrines’ God-centred in relation to the things they believe and the way they live their life. If this is developed, they will experience God’s presence in the way they love, serve and worship and also they way they practice forgiveness when things go awry and in their daily discipleship.

Bible basics

The Bible presents the family as a main setting for spiritual development.

  Parents are instructed to teach God's commands throughout everyday life. “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  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.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 If these verses were written today, they probably would have included “and when you are driving in your car.”

  In Joshua 24:16, it is recorded that Joshua said, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

  Two very important women in the New Testament were Lois and Eunice. Paul recognised that they were instrumental in raising Timothy and helping him grow his faith. What is also very noteworthy here was the role of Lois as Timothy’s grandmother. It is not just the immediate family who helps in spiritual Grandparents can have an important role (2 Timothy 1:5).

  “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”. This was Paul’s advice to the Christians at Ephesus. And, of course, while he specifically said that father should not exasperate their children, he could have well mean that mothers should be included. (Ephesians 6:4)

Spirituality and faith should be shared across generations and integral in daily family life.

Obstacles to family spiritual growth

Many of us in today’s society have busy schedules – mum and dad often have to work to raise enough money to live comfortably – without frills. The cost of living can be so high. Children have school to attend and after school sporting activities or artistic hobbies.

There are many electronic distractions – social media, games and television shows. All members of a family can have distractions with these, not just children. There are also non electronic distractions such as the following of various sporting teams and events – either live or on TV. All of these events can work against quality, together, family time and spiritual growth on God-centred matters.

As we are all individuals, we can have differing levels to our commitment to serving God. This can mean that some members of the family (not just children) may have more enthusiasm in family spiritual activities such as attending church, reading the Bible, worshipping and praying together.

There will most likely be age differences in a family that lead to a wide variety of priorities that may not include family unity, at least in some time of a day.

And, the pace of modern life styles and various responsibilities might lead to stress (school homework, work commitments) and – exhaustion at the end of a day.

We are not seeking perfection in family spiritual life, we are reaching out to develop our spiritual family in God’s sight. If we trust in Him and have an earnest desire to serve Him as a family, He will guide us. We just need to ask Him - through prayer and believe that He will help. He has never promised to keep us a way from struggles. What He has promised is His help in meeting the struggles.