it's not this easy

Got an email from this Christian publisher. They really do a great job at helping churches and families develop kids spiritually.

However, this email came with this line: Building a strong Christian family is easier than ever before...

really... easier... then ever before?

I'm sure their product is helpful, and they mean well, and I might even get it one day (maybe??). But I wonder if this kind of thinking just reminds me that we try and sell people the easiest path to some goal without 1. acknowledging that any path worth pursuing is hard work and 2. nothing of eternal value in our lives (i.e. spiritual growth) is possible without spirit infused gospel transformation.

As a parent and Christ-follower I believe a few things about spiritual growth:
- no one DRIFTS into it - it's always INTENTIONAL
- make sure the SPIRIT is the foundation of your INTENTIONALITY
- you can't do it ALONE - you need a COMMUNITY
- you won't grow without ABSORBING TRUTH (i.e. scripture)
- it takes a while - nothing comes overnight - so it's a PROCESS
- and when it comes to your kids specifically - the best approach is TEAMWORK - where the church and family work together to lead kids towards spiritual growth (some people are calling this ORANGE - the infusion of 2 wonderful colors that create Orange when combined)

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8, see 4:6-10)