My daughters adore the petite steamed cakes from our neighborhood bakery. However, on one unfortunate day, they were all sold out, leaving my older daughter in tears.
When my girls shed tears in public, my immediate reaction is to intervene and diffuse the situation.
“This is quite embarrassing. Why are they causing a scene?” I would silently ponder.
Yet, on that specific day, I refrained from my usual response, and I am grateful for that decision.
Instead of reprimanding my daughter, I posed a different question: “Can you recall a time when you were out with Daddy and didn’t have a snack?”
After a moment of contemplation, she responded, “No.”
“In that case,” I gently explained, “even though the little steamed cakes are not available today, you have the option to choose something else, right?”
In that moment, a deeper realization struck me, guided by a prompting from the Holy Spirit.
I took the opportunity to illustrate to my daughters that while I, as their earthly father, provide for their daily snacks, we have a Heavenly Father, God, who ensures our daily necessities are met.
As my daughters grappled with this concept of God’s care in their young minds, I, too, learned a valuable lesson on how to nurture and guide my children in matters of faith as a father.
Daily Spiritual Guidance
It is a common misconception, one that I have also held, that extraordinary divine interventions or engaging programs are essential for our children to believe in God.
While these experiences certainly play a role in shaping our children’s spiritual journey, I advocate for the significance of not overlooking the everyday occurrences that can sow profound spiritual truths in their hearts.
Formerly a church pastor in Canada, Cliff transitioned to being a stay-at-home dad upon returning to Singapore to support his wife’s medical career in the public health sector.
In the Gospels, Jesus spent three years in close quarters with His disciples. These disciples did not undergo formal training or attend introductory courses on Christianity. Their education transpired through daily interactions and travels with Jesus.
Despite performing numerous miracles that attested to His divinity, Jesus often utilized mundane, relatable events to elucidate the principles of the kingdom of God to His audience.
Analogies involving birds, farming practices, and house construction were commonplace illustrations that resonated with His listeners. Furthermore, He communicated in the vernacular of the time, using Aramaic.
Jesus fostered an intimate bond with His disciples, engaging in personal conversations with them beyond His public teachings.
Likewise, we, as parents, share a unique bond with our children.
We coexist with them daily, sharing meals and even bedtime routines (especially during those restless nights post-nightmare).
The responsibility of imparting knowledge about God to the next generation rests upon us, the parents.
Embracing Everyday Teachable Moments
In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses on the importance of parents instilling God’s commandments within their children in the home environment.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Four distinct settings are highlighted for parents to impart spiritual teachings to their children—during moments of rest at home, while journeying, at bedtime, and upon waking up.
These instances underscore the significance of incorporating spiritual guidance into everyday routines rather than relying solely on extraordinary occurrences.
In essence, whether consciously or inadvertently, we are continually shaping our children’s spiritual growth.
Although I managed to convey a spiritual truth through a routine event that day, I acknowledge the challenge of consistently recognizing such opportunities amidst the demands of daily life.
While I aspire for my children to embrace Jesus, I also contend with the urge to accomplish my tasks efficiently. At times, I overlook the potential for discipleship in mundane activities.
Conversely, there are moments when I am eager to share insights about Jesus, yet my children are engrossed in play. Meaningful spiritual dialogues only unfold when they are receptive.
The incident at the bakery served as a poignant reminder that I must remain prepared at all times. When presented with such invaluable moments, I must set aside distractions and focus on imparting the teachings God intends for my children.
Cliff’s elder daughter, Sarah-Faith, delightedly indulging in the steamed cakes that were fortunately available that day.
The outcome would have been vastly different if I had rushed through that day.
I might have resorted to scolding my children, dragging them away amid their protests, and even threatening punishment for their disobedience.
In doing so, I would have missed a crucial opportunity for spiritual nurturing.
You might be contemplating, “Cliff, you do not comprehend my circumstances. I am overwhelmed with responsibilities and crucial matters. I lack the luxury of dedicating time to disciple my children.”
Indeed, parenting poses formidable challenges as we strive to balance numerous obligations simultaneously. Nevertheless, if our primary objective is to cultivate our children’s faith, then prioritizing discipleship becomes imperative.
The reality is, whether consciously or inadvertently, we are consistently influencing our children’s spiritual development. While the church plays a vital role, our presence and guidance as parents hold unparalleled significance since we interact with our children daily.
Seeking Divine Guidance
Frankly, I admit that interacting with children is not my forte. However, as the spiritual head of the household, I am reassured of the Helper (John 14:15-17, 26) available to me for guidance—the Holy Spirit.
There are instances when I find myself at a loss for words when engaging with my children. Yet, upon seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I am astounded by the creativity and wisdom He imparts.
Sometimes, He provides relatable examples, such as the incident with the steamed cakes. On other occasions, He inspires activities that vividly portray His character.
I do not share this to boast but to emphasize that as parents, God desires our children to know Him, and He has bestowed the Holy Spirit to aid us in this endeavor.
The Tam family: Cliff, his wife Wai Jia, and their daughters.
Discipleship becomes a manageable task with the Holy Spirit’s presence, enabling us to utilize everyday occurrences as avenues to illuminate our children about Jesus.
God calls us to this task, promising grace, support, and ingenuity to convey His truths effectively.
To all parents, I urge you to embrace the responsibility of guiding your children spiritually by slowing down, seizing ordinary moments to share about Jesus, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s counsel.
In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
The seeds of faith we sow in our children will yield a bountiful harvest.
Hence, let us persist in discovering innovative ways to illuminate the essence of Jesus in our children’s lives through our daily interactions!
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