With so many families having to deal with work, taking care of children, extra-curricular activities, etc., it seems nearly impossible to find time to teach our children about God. So due to our crazy week, it's okay to just leave that part to the Sunday school or Sabbath school teachers right? Nope!
Every Christian has a duty to share the truth that they have come to realize through Christ to others, and that duty starts right at home with your own children and spouse. In a world that is so darkened as ours, filled with no regard for God, filled with children who learn to hate God and even their own parents, it's crucial that we instill the truth of God and the love of Christ into the hearts of our children so that they can be armed and equipped to face the world and to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the opposition that they are bound to be faced with in their future.
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."-Ephesians 6:11
"And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and 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." -Deuteronomy 6:7
"For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” -Genesis 18:19
"Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should teach them to their children, That the generation to come might know, [even] the children [yet] to be born, [That] they may arise and tell [them] to their children, That they should put their confidence in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, And not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not prepare its heart, And whose spirit was not faithful to God." -Psalm 78:3-8
"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."
-Proverbs 22:6
"The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day; the father makes known to the children your faithfulness." -Isaiah 38:19
"One generation shall praise Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts."
-Psalm 145:4
Every Christian has a duty to share the truth that they have come to realize through Christ to others, and that duty starts right at home with your own children and spouse. In a world that is so darkened as ours, filled with no regard for God, filled with children who learn to hate God and even their own parents, it's crucial that we instill the truth of God and the love of Christ into the hearts of our children so that they can be armed and equipped to face the world and to remain steadfast in their faith, regardless of the opposition that they are bound to be faced with in their future.
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."-Ephesians 6:11
Some may ask, "How do I evangelize to a child?" or, "My child is so young, he/she probably won't understand". Don't be fooled brothers and sisters, no child is too young to understand the gospel of Christ. Simple things such as putting on a children's bible movie about the death and resurrection and explaining why He had to die is one good way to accomplish this. Even though a child may be young, this is something they will remember!
There are various other ways to minister to your child; Read them daily devotionals, pray with them and encourage them to say their own prayers as well, put on worship songs and sing with your child. These are all great ways to start ministering to your children, but the most important thing to do before even attempting to teach your children about Jesus, is to make sure YOU are right with God first. "A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? -Luke 6:39
The WORST way to attempt to instill God into a child's life is by living a hypocritical lifestyle. Let's face it -- no one likes a hypocrite, that includes your children! This will push your child further away from the truth and likely build resentment. If you want to teach your child the importance of not lying, don't lie! If you want to teach them about giving, give! If you want to teach them about the importance of attending church to fellowship, go to church! The BEST way to evangelize to your own children is to be a walking and talking testimony of what it means to truly follow Christ!
"Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock." -1 Peter 5:3
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." -1 Corinthians 11:1
The most important thing you need to do is to be an imitator of Christ in your daily living. If you struggle with this, pray to God for help and He will give you power through the Holy Spirit to be a godly example to your children! The following are more bible verses about teaching your children about the Lord;
"For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” -Genesis 18:19
"Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should teach them to their children, That the generation to come might know, [even] the children [yet] to be born, [That] they may arise and tell [them] to their children, That they should put their confidence in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, And not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not prepare its heart, And whose spirit was not faithful to God." -Psalm 78:3-8
"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."
-Proverbs 22:6
"The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day; the father makes known to the children your faithfulness." -Isaiah 38:19
"One generation shall praise Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts."
-Psalm 145:4
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