No such thing as a junior version of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is active throughout the entire world and comes upon us before we give Him permission to dwell within us.

Our children, in their innocence and eagerness to trust, are RIPE to listen to the Holy Spirit, and to grant Him more room in and access to their lives as they mature. There is no such thing as a junior version of the Spirit, but as the ‘man without a body’ He will grow with them, expanding His influence over every part of their lives as they yield their will to His, including the hidden things…our private thoughts and desires.

When our children run to us, as they question small ‘clues’, get more ‘gut’ feelings, and see ‘coincidences’ they can’t explain, when their ‘conscience’ won’t let them conceal matters, it is our opportunity to help them connect the dots, to learn to trust and obey the Holy Spirit and invite Him in to every part of our life.

Even for me, as a lifelong believer who is still learning - when things don’t make sense, when I am confused or when I want to kick and complain against things not going my way - if I pause and reflect on the seemingly disconnected events I can see the Holy Spirit is or was leading, directing, redirecting, encouraging, affirming, reminding, calling, helping, warning, disciplining, comforting and guiding me. He doesn’t eventually ‘show up’. He is ALWAYS present. I can trust that He is working all things for good, even when it hurts. (Rom 8:28)

Every day is a new opportunity to remind our children that when indwelled by the Holy Spirit, they are never alone, never abandoned, never without help, never without hope and have the highest clearance possible, permitting them eternal access the Throne Room.

In the age of AI, as important as it is to read Bible stories with our children, I think it is equally, if not more important to teach them about the Holy Spirit…to show them where we see Him present and working in their lives. Teaching them to test what is true. Our children are capable of understanding much more than we sometimes give them credit for.

When there is a conflict of interests it’s me that needs to get out of the way, not the Spirit. This is what I want to teach my children. Although our parenting is temporary, we are just preparing the soil. The work of the Holy Spirit is eternal.

John 14:26

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”