Paying Attention to Spiritual Growth
As parents of teenagers, we are often caught up in the busyness of life. We are good at keeping up with schoolwork, sports, and social activities while sometimes overlooking one of the most important aspects of our teenager’s development: their spiritual growth. God is at work in our teens’ lives, often in ways that may seem small or insignificant. It’s also easy to become preoccupied with the big milestones—graduation, college acceptance, and career aspirations. While these are certainly important, we must also recognize the spiritual growth that happens in the small, everyday moments of life. God is always at work in our teenagers’ lives, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. By being attentive to the subtle changes and little breakthroughs, we can more fully appreciate the journey our teenagers are on as they develop their own personal relationship with God. These quiet moments—where they begin to pray on their own or ask deep questions about their faith—are just as significant as the larger, more noticeable events. They are vital markers of spiritual maturity.
One key to recognizing spiritual growth is to be fully present in your teen’s life. Pay attention to the shifts in their conversations, attitudes, and actions that reflect God’s work. Maybe they mention a Bible verse that spoke to them, or perhaps they choose to forgive a friend rather than hold a grudge. These are signs of a heart being shaped by the Holy Spirit. When we are quick to notice these moments, we can affirm and encourage them, helping to reinforce the growth that is happening. It’s not about giving constant praise but about showing that their spiritual journey matters just as much, if not more, than their academic or social achievements. Our role as parents is to recognize and celebrate these moments, no matter how subtle they may seem, because they reflect the transformation God is orchestrating in their hearts. Teenagers, like all of us, are on a journey of faith, and their growth often happens in everyday situations.
When we notice these spiritual milestones, it’s essential to celebrate them. Our celebrations don’t need to be grand gestures. Simple acknowledgments can have a profound impact. For instance, after your teenager shares a personal realization about something God is doing in their life or if they ask a question about how God is working in the world, tell them you are proud of them for pursuing their relationship with Him. These moments of encouragement can help teens realize that their faith journey is not only personal but also something worth recognizing and nurturing. This affirmation reinforces the idea that God is actively involved in their lives and that their spiritual growth matters deeply to you as a parent.
It’s important to recognize that each person’s spiritual journey will look different. Some may be more vocal, asking tough theological questions or openly sharing their thoughts during conversations about God, while others might be quieter, reflecting on their faith more privately. Regardless of how they express it, the key is to recognize and support their individual journey. By acknowledging their progress without comparing them to others, we help them understand that God’s work in their life is unique and personal. The focus isn’t on reaching a certain level of spiritual maturity but on walking faithfully with God at their own pace.
Ultimately, as parents, we are not just raising our teens to be responsible adults but to be followers of Christ. By paying attention to the small, everyday moments of spiritual growth, we partner with God in nurturing their faith. Our teenagers need to know that their spiritual life is just as important, if not more so, than any academic or social achievement. As we celebrate their growth in faith, we help them understand that their relationship with God is something precious—worth cultivating, nurturing, and celebrating throughout their everyday lives.
