Remove All Excuses
Just consider for a moment, Mary and Joseph had every legitimate reason to shy away from trying to influence the spiritual formation of Jesus. Even as a child, this was THE Savior of the world. He was God incarnate. How in the world could two flawed, imperfect people dare try to shape Jesus’s spiritual life? But they did! As parents, Mary and Joseph created a certain home environment, family culture, and expectation about Jesus. Joseph was a carpenter (Matt. 13:55). Jesus became a carpenter (Mark 6:3). Jewish boys, in those days, went into the same line of business as their father. Mary and Joseph faithfully observed the Jewish feasts and high holy days. In fact, on one annual trip to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:41), Jesus at twelve years old remained behind to pray and attend to His “Father’s house.” If flawed Mary and Joseph can create an atmosphere in the home conducive for Jesus to fulfill His mission as a suffering Savior, you can certainly create a family atmosphere for your child to learn how to pray. You must get rid of all of your excuses, however.