20 Ways to Raise the Spiritual Temperature of your Family

Over the last 2 weekends I’ve heard many people make sobering comments about the messages that have been a  part of our “How to Build a Great Life” series.  I’ve heard couples admit that they failed to do the work that Jason talked about in “Marry Well” and I’ve connected with families looking for prayer because they didn’t raise their kids  according to God’s direction as Bob talked about just this last weekend.  While this awareness has been difficult for many to face into, I strongly believe there is hope.  It’s never too late to turn a marriage or to restore a family.  I do believe that many just don’t know how to go about building a great foundation for their own families.  One day, for the sake of a small group I was a part of, I just thought I’d jot down a few ways that we’ve attempted to raise the spiritual temperature in our household.  Clearly, Kathi and I are incredibly flawed in this area, but if any of these ideas help you, take em.  If you have others to add, feel free to add a comment below.

Oh – one more note.  In case you think you need a lot of theological wisdom to lead your home spiritually, you don’t.  Notice how much “wisdom” is actually needed to do any of these…

1. Make sure your family comes to church regularly.
2. Talk about what’s being taught at church
3. Read books and watch/listen to podcasts on building a better marriage and better family
4. Create a spiritual moment regularly in your home
5. While kids are in bed, read a devotional or pray
6. Read a devotional at a meal
7. Bring in spiritual content when talking to your kids about character issues
   1. i.e. – when talking about being kind to others – talk about God’s kindness
8. Ask your spouse and kids how you can pray for them
9. Encourage your kids to pray (at a meal, before bed, etc) and when they do, reward them greatly
10. Encourage your kids to memorize verses.  (I pay my kids)
11. Capture a moment when you and your spouse pray for each other and/or your family.  If you’re not doing this, have a discussion about it.  When?  Where?  Etc
12. Consider creating spiritual markers for your kids. – (When they start public school – have your family pray for them or when they turn 13, 18 or 21, honor them in some way)
13. Initiate and plan date nights at least monthly (get the sitter)
14. Initiate family fun nights at least monthly
15. Initiate budget discussions with your spouse at least monthly
16. Plan once a quarter to serve as a family
17. Ask your spouse what he’s/she’s learning in her Bible Study or small group
18. Tell your spouse what you’re learning in your group or in your own study and ask him/her questions about it
19. Sponsor a child.  Pray for this child and send letters as a family on a regular basis
20. Ask your spouse – “How can I be a better husband/wife to you?”

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~ by dgraffam on May 13, 2010.