I want to encourage us as believing parents to mark, in some special way, the spiritual birthdays of our children as well. Why not? It’s actually even more important and even more reason to celebrate right!?! Second birth is a cause for special recognition!!!

Feel free to be creative, but make the most of it. Don’t just recognize or celebrate it, use it as a teaching/encouraging time. I’m not sure where I got this idea, but here’s how I try to make a special mark on this most special of days for my children.

I take them out to eat at the restaurant of their choosing. They know this is coming, and they know why. It’s really interesting to see how they work through their options during the days heading toward their spiritual birthday. Most recently my son went from steakhouse to Taco bell and then finally landed at John’s Incredible Pizza! (He’s a smart guy - why not get some rides and games out of this deal as well!!) It’s also interesting to see the change restaurant favorites as they grow. My daughter has traded pancakes for crab legs!! The point is - they know it’s time alone with Dad, and they know why - Dad wants to celebrate with them their faith in Jesus Christ!

The conversation over lunch is thoroughly intentional. I want to know where they are at with Christ. I want to know if they are able to express their faith, if they are owning their faith, if they are making the connection between their faith and life. So I ask open-ended questions, questions that make then stop and think. This has been useful to me and to them. It’s useful to me because it lets me know what they are learning, how they are growing, and areas that I need to give attention to. It’s useful to them because it shows them how serious I am about their walk with the Lord and how to relate faith to their personal lives. I ask questions like:

What does it mean to be a Christian?

What have you learned about Christ - the Bible - this year?

What are some things you should work on?

What’s your favorite Bible verse?

Do you have any questions for me? about the Bible? life? being a Christian?

I make sure I point out to them some areas where they are demonstrating their faith. I want them to know how the Lord is working through them to glorify Himself and that it is important enough to me that I notice it!

I also speak gently to them about weaknesses and sin patterns and how they can pray and grow in those areas.

Lastly, I clearly affirm to them how much I love them and how much I desire for them to know and love the Lord throughout their entire lives - no matter what!

It was a little odd for me and them at first. But it gets easier each time, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The conversations we have are honest, loving, personal, and becoming more natural. It’s one of the clearest ways I am able to disciple my children.

Parents - some way, some how, mark their spiritual birthdays!