When asked to give my thoughts about creating a spiritual environment at home, my mind quickly went to the older years of a child’s life, right before they leave the nest, that I’m particularly passionate about. Prior to becoming a pastor in 2017, I worked for 20 years as a college campus minister. As we invited freshmen to get involved in our ministry, I looked for those who truly loved and walked with God. Though we have some incredible Christian schools in Baton Rouge, I became convinced that what happens at home regarding faith is the primary determiner of what a student’s spiritual receptivity will be as they enter campus. Here, I’ll share a little of what we’ve done to create a spiritual atmosphere in our home.
My wife and I focused on two key things: First, we intentionally participated as a family in our local church. Second, we strived to have regular devotional time with our kids, which just means several times a week, we’d discuss the Bible and pray. Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware was a favorite when they were younger, and these days we read together New Morning Mercies for Teens by Paul
David Tripp.
Spiritually shepherding our older kids, especially those now in college, has also been so beautiful and rewarding. We wanted to give each of our kids the space to nurture their own spiritual lives in age-appropriate ways. When they were young, the guardrails of truth meant we took the initiative in most spiritual endeavors. As our kids matured, we tried to create an atmosphere of grace by encouraging them to have personal devotional times. We bought them their own Bibles and devotional materials (such as a recent favorite Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship by Jonathan Gibson). My wife and I often talk openly in our home about what we are learning from God’s word, but we also strive not to coerce them to share. We would say things like, “My desire is for you to draw near to Jesus and to know and experience his love and goodness. I am praying that God will move so that you genuinely want to draw near, apart
from us.”
I’d say that open conversations over the Bible, discussions about spiritual things, being honest and vulnerable about one’s own walk with the Lord, and praying for one’s kids are the tools needed to create a spiritual atmosphere!
By Darin Travis, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church
