Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Rodger, you’re a family physician, but you’re also a homeschool father—concerned not just with your children’s physical health, but their emotional and spiritual health as well. How can parents nurture their children in these areas?

Dr. Rodger Sayre:
Oh, Mike, as you know, this is a topic of great passion for me. Scripture says, “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” [Matthew 16:26]

Mike, the spiritual health of my children is the driving force behind all that I do for them, whether it be our choice to homeschool, the discipline they receive, even the supply of their daily needs. Of course I want them to be physically healthy, but I also recognize that while being physically fit is an admirable goal, it pales in significance to the importance of being spiritually fit. And spiritual health is nearly always accompanied by emotional health.

So what have I done in my own family to attend to their spiritual needs?

Well, Mary and I spend a lot of time mentoring our children, teaching them biblical truths and nurturing the spiritual aspect of their lives. Almost every morning, we spend time as a family reading and discussing Scripture. We pray together at each meal, and the children are encouraged to have their own quiet time in the Bible study and in prayer as well. Mike, to the glory of God, He continues to bless us through the lives of our children.

Mike:
Rodger, this has been a tremendous week. We’re glad you joined us. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.