The Potential of Children video series

Emphasize Character and Spiritual Growth

Does your daughter have an uncommon knack for grammar or volleyball? Does your son have an affinity for calculus or art? It’s important that parents help their kids develop their God-given gifts and abilities. But these technical skills should not take first place. A parent’s top priority is to nurture their child’s character and spiritual development.

Get more out of this series!

After watching video five, consider taking these steps to get the most out of this part of the series:

// Step 1

Read and meditate on these verses: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7  ESV)

// Step 2

Answer these discussion questions:

1. 1. Why is investing in a child’s character and spiritual development so important?
   2. In the video, Kathy notes that whether you’re praising or correcting your child, it’s important to provide evidence. What might this look like in your family?

// Step 3

Spend time in prayer:

Father in Heaven,
Help us place our kids’ spiritual and character development at the top of our list of parental priorities.
Grant us grace and wisdom to combat the competing voices from our culture.
And help our children understand that who they are – in their hearts and in their character – is more important than what they do.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.

// Step 4

Download the free PDF Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts to help you identify the spiritual gifts God has been growing in your children from the moment they placed their faith in Christ. 

// Step 5

Listen to the Focus on the Family Broadcast “Loving Your Kids for Who They Are” where guests Jill Savage and Kathy Koch explain why parents should avoid pushing perfection on their kids, and instead maintain realistic expectations and love them unconditionally.

Recommended resource

Start With the Heart: How to Motivate Your Kids to Be Compassionate, Responsible and Brave (Even When You’re Not Around) by Dr. Kathy Koch will help you change negative ways of reacting to your children and teach you how to guide your children in godly ways through positive interactions that you can feel good about. You’ll learn how to change what your children believe so they’ll change their behaviour to what is good, godly and right.

Order your copy of this book today

These videos are part of the Lighthouse Voices lecture series made in partnership with the Colson Center.