Spiritual concepts for children

Do you ever wonder if you are doing a "good job" at raising your children as God would have you do? This little self test will walk you through a carefully conceived systematic approach to the faith instructions of your children. Many of these items require maturity that they lack, and we should not try to make adult Christians out of our immature youngsters. But we can gently teach them these concepts during the impressionable years of childhood. This may be the most important challenge we will face as parents.

Concept 1. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart."
-- Is your child learning of the love of God through the love, tenderness and mercy of his parents?
-- Is he learning to talk about the Lord and to include Him in his thoughts and plans?
-- Is he learning to ask Jesus for help whenever he is frightened or anxious or lonely?
-- Is he learning to read the Bible?
-- Is he learning to pray?
-- Is he learning the meaning of faith and trust?
-- Is he learning the joy of the Christian way of life?
-- Is he learning the beauty of Jesus' birth and death?

Concept 2. "Love your neighbor as yourself"
-- Is he learning to understand and empathize with the feelings of others?
-- Is he learning not to be selfish and demanding?
-- Is he learning to share?
-- Is he learning how to be kind to others?
-- Is he learning to accept himself?

Concept 3. "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God"
-- Is he learning to obey his parents as preparation for later obedience to God?
-- Is he learning to behave properly in church -- God's house?
-- Is he learning a healthy appreciation for both aspects of God's nature: love and justice?
-- Is he learning to cooperate with and submit to authorities outside of self, parents, teachers, police, etc.?
-- Is he learning the meaning of sin and it's inevitable consequences?

Concept 4: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
-- Is he learning to be truthful and honest?
-- Is he learning to keep the Sabbath day holy?
-- Is he learning the relative insignificance of materialism?
-- Is he learning the meaning of the Christian family and the faithfulness to it that God intends?

Concept 5. "But the fruit of the spirit is.....self control"
-- Is he learning to give a portion of his allowance (and other money) to God?
-- Is he learning to control his impulses?
-- Is he learning to work and carry responsibility?
-- Is he learning to tolerate minor frustrations?
-- Is he learning to memorize and quote Scripture?

Concept 6. "He who humbles himself will be exalted"
-- Is he learning to be appreciative?
-- Is he learning to thank God for the good things in his life?
-- Is he learning to forgive and forget?
-- Is he learning the vast difference between self-worth and egotistical pride?
-- Is he learning to bow reverently before the God of the universe?

I did not write this list, but I have referred to it in the past. It helps me appreciate the fact that my children are on the right path - and it helps keep me accountable to make sure they stay there.