Of Children and the Gospel

A high school friend asked a question when I made public my intent to start this blog. Her question is How Do I Get My Child Interested in Jesus Christ? Of her own admission, she has experienced ups and downs, as well as challenges in life, just like the rest of us. Her question and the brief explanation of life’s ebb and flow gave me pause for a long time as prayer and consideration were given For me, the best way to start a response is Scripture.

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, NASB)

1. Intentionality

The call described in the text quoted above exudes of intentionality. This is something that must remain present in the raising and development of a young boy or girl into a follower of Jesus Christ (my wife and I have three sons). The easy way out is to send the child/children to church with neighbors, or other family members, while Dad and Mom remain at home for a number of reasons. Parents must remember that the first Christian duty is to provide for the home and to raise children that know how God has blessed their family and provided for their needs.

2. Get on the Child/Children’s Level

The fear most parents face in raising children tends to be the questions that come up when discussing new material and subjects that tend to be both in-depth and wide in reach. First, Do not be afraid to say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out together.” There is nothing children love more than an adventure they can share with their dad and mom (remember, I have three boys). Second, keep it simple and approachable for the child/children without watering the message down. Don’t shy away from the difficult or gory points of the Gospel message. Explain it in terms that are faithful to the message but remain appropriate for the child/children. They will appreciate it as part of their spiritual development later on.

3. Make Jesus Christ the Center of the Family Unit

The family unit is the first and most important unit in society. Fathers need to step up to the plate and demonstrate what it looks like to lead a family in love, grace, mercy, and sacrifice to know the Living God. Added to this, remember that the best teachers often give examples and practice points for their students; while you will not be perfect, show them how to live out the Christian faith. Share your spiritual journey, share about failures (remember to keep it appropriate for their age and cognitive level), and lead them and emphasize the importance of personal Bible reading, prayer, family prayer, and worship. Don’t get bogged down with perfection. Focus on being faithful.

4. Build a Genuine Christian Community

Here comes the area where the rubber meets the road—Develop a strong sense of commitment, both personally and as a family. Make it a point to develop your spiritual disciplines (prayer, bible study, fellowship with other followers of Jesus Christ, worship attendance, service in the community you live and with the community you worship), and then find a Bible-teaching, Gospel-focused church. Find ways to involve your child/children with people who are like-minded and will encourage them as you encourage them at home. Lastly, make sure to emphasize that people are not perfect, but God alone is perfect. Do not create a false expectation of perfection, but one of being faithful as a follower of Jesus. Always point out that forgiveness is readily available when they sin, regardless of the consequences of their actions.