Have you prepped your child well?

Shout out to the mommas getting supplies organized for their kids classrooms, either at school or at home this year. Sneakers polished to take on the hallways of their local school or downstairs to their home set up. Clothing has been purchased and washed for the next month...maybe. It requires a lot of prep to get these kids up and going and ready to start the school year with a bang. I applaud you, my sisters, for your dedication.

Something came to mind last night when I was chatting with my daughter about her fears for the upcoming school year. I’d like to share with you something I know is the heart of God.

I have a question.

Have you spent as much time developing your child spiritually as you have prepared them academically?

How many of us have put the time in to prep the spiritual heart and mind of our children? Now, I’m not suggesting that education is not important. It’s very important. Kids need to learn discipline and work ethic. They need an education. They need a job so they’re not stuck in our basement! What they need more than that, is a solid foundation in Christ. In the 2 decades of me being a youth pastor, I have seen the fruit of what was important to a parent in their child’s life. If sports were important, then their child sometimes excelled in that area. If academics were the most important thing to a parent, then most likely the kid got into a good college. What I have seen MANY times was when a parent only focused on the outer things, their kids struggled spiritually. I have had so many conversations with teenagers that are about to enter college age, searching for joy and truth. Lost and asking for guidance. Granted, they were straight A students who traveled around the country with their sports team or cheerleading squad and their school resumes were better than most adults. Many of them were about to enter a top notch school, but they didn’t have the slightest clue on how to handle their life spiritually. Some may think it’s the children or youth pastors job to train up their child in the ways of the Lord. Drop their kid off for 2 hours at church and that’s good enough. Those people could not be more wrong. It’s our job; the parents. We are responsible to raise our children in the ways they should go. If education and getting the best job was the most important thing for you to teach your child, and setting up a solid foundation in Jesus was second to that, I ask you this question. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36)

Will they always make the right choices? No way. Will they turn out to be a perfect Follower of Christ? Not a chance. No one can achieve perfection. Will they make some choices that will break your heart or possibly walk away from what they know about God? Yes, but scripture tells us in Proverbs 22:6, to raise them in the ways of the Lord, anyway. For me, I don’t want my kids to only have the best scores, look good or be the most popular. I desire for them to go in the school year knowing they are loved, valued, and forgiven. That the Lord knows their name and knows the number of hairs on their head. I want them to know in their heart of hearts that there is a God that loves them more than I do. I want to give them the tools to fight off the enemy when he comes roaring. My friend, the enemy is roaring and waiting for your child.

I challenge you this school year to prep your kids for much more than straight A’s. Straight A’s and perfect grammar pales in comparison to eternity. Are they ready to take on the enemy when they step out your front door? In our hope to give our kids a head start for the hard knock life, have we taught them the hope that brings them life during the hard times? Have we shared the hope that is called Jesus?

I know I’m committed to fighting and teaching all my children that they don’t need to fear because their redeemer is always near! I’m committed to showing them the truth about themselves. Truth that is found in the Word of God. I’m dedicated to making sure that even though they WILL walk through the valley of the shadow of death, they don’t need to fear, because God is with them. Will you join me?

Here are some ways you can connect your child to the truth of God.

*Set up a daily devotional time with them.
*Pray for them but also show them how to pray over themselves.
*Before they leave for the day, speak life over them. For example, you could say to them: “you are valuable”, “you are important”, “you are strong because Jesus has your back”, “you are loved”.
*Or, (this is my girls favorite) have them repeat a truth about themselves, out loud. For example: “I am a child of God”, “No weapon formed against me will prosper today”, “When I fall, I will get back up”.
*Let them fail and then roll out the red carpet of grace.

These are some examples of what I’ve done with my children.

Pray over your children. Pray! There is power in your prayer. Whether they’re homeschooled or in public/private school... PRAY!

Pray and Prepare. You WILL see the fruit of your labor.

I’m not suggesting you are to be a perfect parent. What am I saying, is you have the power to show your child who the one and only perfect God is.

Praying for favor this school year! That’s my word this year for my kids.

Momma, you are stronger than you know!

And for the mommas who think it’s too late. The beautiful thing about my God is that His mercies are new everyday. You can start setting that foundation TODAY. It’s time to get to work!

-Stacy Hockenbury