How to Raise Kids Who Grow in Faith, Wisdom, and Strength

If you can only pray one verse over your kids each day, what would it be?

I remember reading a book where the author recommends Luke 2:52. I was intrigued, so I looked it up.

 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52 NLT)

Just like Jesus, we are supposed to also grow in these same three areas, and so are our kids. Let’s look at practical ways we can apply this to both our lives and our children too.

1. Grow in Wisdom

Just like Jesus grew in wisdom, we want to be growing too and encouraging our kids to do the same. Here are some questions to consider for both you and your children:

• Do you have a mentor in your life that speaks truth to you? Do other adults mentor your child and help them grow in wisdom?
• Do you like to read Christian books that develop you and deepen your character? Do you encourage your kids to read?
• Do you set goals or challenge yourself to learn something new? Do you pick a word each year to focus on? Do your kids do the same?

2. Grow in Stature

Just like Jesus grew taller and stronger, we need to take care of our bodies physically, especially when it comes to plenty of sleep and rest.

For me, it was important for us to have family dinners and go on hikes together on the weekends. Also, bedtime routines were essential. I noticed that my kids were more open to sharing about their day as I was reading to them each night than any other time of the day.

Deep connection requires TIME, so let me encourage you to create some margin in your life as well as your kid’s schedule too. Don’t let busy become the new norm. Before committing to another event, task or to do, ask yourself:

• What will this cost me? Time? Energy? Resources?
• Is this commitment going to give me more time with my kids or take time away from my children? For example, I was my boy’s Cub Scout leader for years. It allowed me to have extra time with my boys, plan fun events for their group, and attend each activity.
• Will it matter a month from now? How about a year from now?

3. Grow in Favor with God and Man

We can once again follow Jesus’ example. He was not only intentional about his alone time with God, but He also purposely invested his time with others.

• Do you personally have a rhythm of time in God’s Word each day? Are you modeling it to your kids and even reading it together with them? Do you attend church together as a family?
• Have you ever served together as a family? It could be bringing a meal to a family in need or volunteering to help at the VBS at your church. Perhaps you can coordinate a coat drive for the homeless shelter or a canned food drive for the food pantry.
• How about fun times together as a family? Do you do regular family game nights around the table where you can connect and laugh? How about a yearly family vacation where you get away together? Honestly, it does not have to be expensive. Camping together is a blast!

As a parent, we can only share with our kids what we know, so I want to encourage you to look deeper at your personal growth.

Below are some great questions from Chris Hodges’ book, What’s Next. Chris says once a month, he takes a personal day to evaluate his growth in 12 key areas of his life and writes one way he can improve in that area each month. I think this is a great idea and wanted to share it with you.

1. “Faith Life: How is my relationship with God?
2. Marriage Life: How is my relationship with my spouse?
3. Family Life: How are my relationships with my kids and immediate family?
4. Office Life: How much time do I spent there, and is it effective?
5. Computer Life: How can I productively spend less time on it?
6. Ministry Life: How can I touch the lives of others? Where do I give?
7. Financial Life: How are my personal finances?
8. Social Life: When am I spending time engaged with friends?
9. Attitudinal Life: Overall, what’s my attitude lately?
10. Creative Life: Am I dreaming? Writing?
11. Travel Life: How do I balance time away from home and church?
12. Physical Life: Am I taking care of my body and physical self?”

Friend, as we live out our purpose, God continues to refine and grow us more like Jesus. 

I pray God continues to grow you as a parent and you can intentionally help your kids grow more and more like Jesus too.

Love, Jodi