Warfare is a sensitive reality that is difficult to introduce and teach to children. The warfare we see and experience in the physical begins in unseen places. Fortunately for the Christian, Scripture outlines how to explain to our children why mankind wars with one another. How our nature was corrupted through the disobedience of one man, Adam, why humanity "wars" with God through its rejection of Jesus Christ, we war within our own flesh, and we war with our fellow man made in God's image. Physical and spiritual war has a stench. It is a foul odor. The enemy of our souls and the world loves it. Teaching our children the truth of what God says in Scripture at age-appropriate seasons is key to raising spiritually mature children prepared to face the hostilities of a fallen and broken world.

While our children are young, it's important to impress upon their little hearts a desire to seek treasure! The kind of treasure the culture does not value, but it is what God calls true treasure. As our children mature into adulthood, we want them to become equally invested in seeking the treasure found in God's Word. Their salvation, rejection of folly, and richness of character are proof that we made a God-honoring impression!

What fills the heart bubbles over into our speech and behavior. As parents and, by extension, primary influencers of children, what fills the heart bubbles over into how we steward the things of God. When the heart is filled with God's righteousness and zeal for the things of God, it bubbleth over. Our children get the overflow of what our Father in Heaven teaches us. When we help them see the contrast between what can refresh or poison the heart and the subsequent behavior, they will prayerfully desire God's best for their life.