A family rooted in God’s Word is strong. It has a foundation that will not crumble under pressure. This doesn’t mean the family won’t go through tests and trials, but rather parents know the family roots are securely planted in the one who does not move–Jesus. If you want to lead your family spiritually, you must understand that apart from Jesus, you can do nothing..
- “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”–John 15:5
As Christian parents, we know that God’s Word teaches us the values and character qualities we need to display to those in a watching world and those who are watching us in our home… our kids.
There are many things vying for the attention of our children…
- Friends
- T.V.
- Social media
- Activities
- Peer pressure
- Acceptance
… the list goes on and on.
If you want to lead your family spiritually, you have to know what they are up against.
- “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”--Ephesians 6:13
Fortunately, as a parent who wants to lead your family spiritually, you know you can’t wage war using “carnal” weapons. But you have access to weapons that have divine power to destroy the spiritual strongholds that attempt to hinder your family (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)!
We want to share some tips on how to lead your family spiritually, bringing them and you closer to God.
What Does The Bible Say About Strengthening and Leading Your Family Spiritually?
Let's take a look at some Bible verses that offer guidance on how to lead your family spiritually and create a Christ-centered home.
Don’t Grow Weary
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”—Galatians 6:9
- This verse encourages you to remain faithful to the Lord and trust that your efforts will bear good fruit. While this verse is often tied to living generously, it also speaks of relying on the complete work of Jesus, partnering with His Word, and believing His timing is perfect for producing a plentiful harvest by the seeds you’ve sown into your kids and spouse. Don’t grow weary of leading your family spiritually. You shall reap what you sow!
Remember How to Love Like Jesus
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”—1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- This verse tells you how to love like Jesus. Will you love others perfectly? No, but you can remember this passage when you are frustrated with your spouse or kids, and things simply don’t seem to go your way. Sometimes the best way to lead your family spiritually is to show them where you turn when your emotions run in high gear. When they see you go to God’s Word, they will know where to go when loving others gets hard.
Seek Peace in the Home
“He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be a servant to the wise of heart”—Proverbs 11:29
- It is important to communicate to your kids their responsibility to bring peace into the home. It’s also important that, as parents, you also take this to heart. Disunity and troubles create unnecessary division. Does this mean you will agree on all things at all times? No, but it does give a warning: Don’t go out of your way to sow seeds of discord. Intentionally stirring the pot is something God despises (see Proverbs 6:16-19).
Pray for God’s Sovereignty
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”—Romans 8:28
- When you live in light of this verse, your children and spouse witness it, and you become living proof of God’s Word. Using this verse to lead your family spiritually is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty. Speak it and pray it over your spouse and children when tough times hit and in times of great blessings.
Don’t Lean on Your Own Understanding
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”—Proverbs 3:5-6
- This is a foundational verse to stand on if you want to lead your family spiritually. How often do we lean on our own understanding of a situation? A lot! This is something we must fight against. To spiritually lead our families, we must set aside our own thoughts and opinions and go into God’s Word, filtering everything through it. As your spouse and children see you do this, it teaches them the reality of trusting in the Lord with all their hearts.
Watch Your Mouth
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one”—Colossians 4:6
- Have you ever said something out of frustration or anger toward your spouse or kids? If we are honest, our answer must be “yes.” In Colossians, Paul reminds us to make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel. In short, he reminds us to be living proof of God’s love to a watching world. But we must also make the most of every opportunity with our spouse and kids in our home. If your spouse or kids have not yet received Christ (or even if they have), thinking about the words you speak before they come out of your mouth is critical. They should be gracious. This doesn’t mean passive. It simply means asking the Spirit what words to use in a situation before you speak–another beautiful picture of how to lead your family spiritually!
Don’t Be Anxious, Be Thankful
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7
- Stop being anxious; it’s easier said than done. However, Paul tells goes on to tell you what to do in place of being anxious: pray, ask for what you need, and be thankful. Living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving is a great way to lead your family spiritually. We can find many things to complain about and worry about, but our kids and spouse need to see us living with thanksgiving in our hearts. This brings peace to our hearts and minds and into our homes.
5 Ways to Lead Your Family Spiritually
Here are some practical ways to lead your family spiritually.
- Have Routine Bible Study Times
Developing a regular Bible study time is one of the best ways to lead your family spiritually and teach them about God’s Word, giving them a deeper understanding and applying it to their lives. As the Word penetrates their hearts and minds, they won't be as easily swayed by the lies of our world. Cultivating a culture of Bible study with your children from a young age aligns with biblical parenting principles. Look for ways to make Bible study time fun and interactive.
- Point Each Other To Jesus
As family members navigate life’s challenges, it is easy for everyone to get caught up in the day-to-day routines and forget the importance of a strong family unit and nurturing relationship with God. Actively looking for opportunities to point each other to Jesus can strengthen your family and deepen their faith.
Try praying regularly, setting time to spend together as a family, and sharing your experiences and testimonies of God working in the day-to-day. Whether you are driving in a car, playing a game in the backyard, or watching a movie together, there are always moments to point each other to Jesus.
- Conduct Communion-At-Home Prayers.
You’ve heard, “A family who prays together stays together.” While this is just a saying, there is something to be said about how prayer strengthens family bonds. Have you ever taken communion at home and prayed through this as a family? This is a powerful way to lead your family spiritually. It’s a time to quiet our hearts, remember what Jesus did on the cross for us, and step into the presence of His love.
While you can take communion anywhere at any time, when you do this as a family, it reveals the truth of Joshua 24:15, “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- Reflect On Your Role As A Parent/Sibling/Spouse
If signs of disunity or issues shake your family's foundation, take a step back and reflect on your actions to see things more clearly. There is an order to the family, not that one role is more important than another, but, as Paul wrote, there are different members but one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), and we can respect each member for their role.
When we see that our roles are equally valuable in God’s eyes, we can work together to create a Christ-centered, spiritually healthy home that is living proof of a loving God to a watching world.
- Meditate on God’s Word
Joshua 1:8 tells us to meditate on God’s Word and that our “way will be prosperous.” The word “prosperous” in this verse means to advance, thrive, or successfully complete. This is what you need if you want to lead your family through this broken world successfully. God will guide you as a parent and spouse by His Word.
Meditate on the verses at the beginning of this blog and ask God to give you wisdom and understanding. Ask Him how He wants you to lean more into Him and His Word so you can lead your family spiritually and create a firm foundation for your children’s future.
Key Takeaway,
The Word of God strengthens you and helps you lead your family spiritually. It leaves a lasting legacy and gives your children tools to prepare for what lies ahead.
Spend time praying for God to draw your family near to Him and each other, making the home more peaceful and unified so that you can be living proof of a loving God to a watching world.
Want to know more about biblical leadership principles? Get our free resource: Biblical Leadership Principles: Learning from the Book of Acts!
