Making Moments Moldable

Every parent needs to utilize moldable moments. They will make them better parents more focused on reinforcing the gospel in the hearts and mind of their children.

But… what is a moldable moment?

Moldable moments are spontaneous devotions led by a parent. They are shared during the natural rhythm and busyness of everyday life. While far from routine, they are powerful at sharing the heart of Christ and a parent’s love for Him.

Can you give me an example?

Try this one. When your child is playing with Play-doh, instruct him to make a person. Once he has finished, ask him to describe his person in detail. Make sure to press for a description of physical features as well as personality traits.

Once your child has finished, tell him that God created each and every person on earth the same way. He put them together with all their physical characteristics, emotions, personality, etc. Ask your child what he thinks about that. Does he think God is a good designer?

That’s it. That was a moldable moment. Sure, it can be longer, and they should be as your children age, but that’s a moldable moment in a nutshell.

You can have them at soccer games after a win, or loss. You can have them hiking, or swimming, or when you cook. You can have moldable moments anytime and anywhere. Here are some tips:

1. Have spontaneous moments on a regular basis.
   1. Don’t make them boring weekly devotions. They need to be sporadic, so they aren’t predictable, but regular enough you are deepening your child’s walk with Christ.
2. Do them when you are having fun.
   1. Don’t be boring mom or dad who tries to force times of interaction, just to make a spiritual connection. Go and live life fully. Experience life with your children and find God in the midst of it.
3. Stay Vigilant. Find God in what you are doing.
   1. This one is key. Pray constantly that God opens your eyes, so that you can see him in everything you are doing. It is easy to see the connection to God or his word, especially when he’s helping you.
4. Keep them short.
   1. Don’t beat a dead horse. The goal is repetition, repetition, repetition. Your child’s eternity will not be at risk if the devotion is short. As parents, we seek to continually share Christ in little ways with our children.
5. You can’t teach what you don’t know.
   1. Many reasons why parents struggle with teaching the Bible to their children, is because they aren’t studying it themselves. Spend regular time reading God’s word. Make sure to read stories that your children will find engaging, like David and Goliath, Noah, Jonah, etc.

Use these tips to create moldable moments for your family that will impact the kingdom and allow you to fulfill Deuteronomy 6:4-9 in your own home. Try one today, and begin having spontaneous devotional times together.