Influences come from every direction, so how do we raise children who love and follow God? The foundation for spiritual parenting comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, where God provides clear instructions for passing faith to the next generation.

Child dedication isn't baptism or a salvation experience. Rather, it's a commitment by parents and the church family to raise a child in the knowledge and love of God. It's a practice with biblical roots, going back to Deuteronomy where God instructed His people to teach their children diligently.

When parents dedicate their child, they're making a public declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." They're committing to build their home and family around the one true God.

The passage in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is known in Jewish tradition as the Shema, which Jesus later identified as the greatest commandment:

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Jewish families would recite this declaration daily—not because they couldn't remember it, but as a constant reminder of their commitment to God. It was a way to combat spiritual drift and keep their priorities aligned with God's will.

Before the passage instructs parents to teach their children, it says: "These words shall be on your heart." This order is significant. Parents must first have a genuine relationship with God themselves before they can effectively pass faith to their children.

Children are like mirrors—they reflect what they see. They absorb and imitate everything around them, sometimes even the behaviors we don't want them to learn. If we want our children to love God, they need to see that love demonstrated consistently in our lives.

The instruction to teach "diligently" means faith education isn't casual or occasional. The passage describes teaching:

In other words, faith discussions should happen naturally throughout everyday life—not just on Sundays. This stands in stark contrast to treating church as merely a weekly event.

Protecting Children in a Digital Age

Just as we childproof our homes to protect children physically, we must "spirit-proof" our homes to protect them spiritually. Today's technology creates backdoors that allow harmful influences direct access to our children:

Parents must be vigilant gatekeepers, setting appropriate boundaries and monitoring digital interactions. This isn't about control but protection—creating guardrails for a child's soul.

While the saying "it takes a village to raise a child" remains true, today's parents must be selective about who influences their children. Not everyone in the modern "village" has your child's best interests at heart.

The church community should be a significant part of that village—a place where children see consistent examples of faith lived out. Church family members have a responsibility to pray for and support the spiritual development of all children in the congregation.

The spiritual formation of children isn't something that happens by accident—it requires intentional effort from parents and the entire faith community. Here are some practical ways to apply these principles:

Remember, the goal isn't just to raise well-behaved children, but to nurture hearts that genuinely love and follow God. This mission starts at home, but it requires the support and example of the entire faith community.