|
What do you suppose an instruction manual would
look like? Can't you just see it? It would contain
some great categories like, "How to Stop the
Whining" and "How to Get Your Kids to Listen When
You Talk.”
Unfortunately, Christian parents face just as many
obstacles as non-Christians in raising kids. And
when you add all the worldly distractions, Christian
parenting becomes more of a challenge.
A huge part of that challenge is passing on your
faith to kids whose priorities are more focused on
video games, sporting events, and the latest trends
in clothes. But the good news is that there are
things you can do to raise godly kids and even
share your faith with them.
First, you must live out your faith in your own
life. It is impossible to give away something
you don't have. Kids can spot a phony from a mile
away. They're looking for the real deal from their
parents.
Living your faith can start with simple things, like
showing love, kindness and generosity. If your kids
see you finding ways to "be a blessing" it will
become a natural and normal way of life for them
too.
Second, start sharing your faith early in the
lives of your kids. Being a part of an active
Christian church shows your kids that you think
spending time with God is important. Make it a
point to let them hear you talking about the great
things happening in the church. Let them hear how
much you've been helped by being in the midst of
people with similar beliefs who pray for you and
you for them.
Third, show your kids what's in it for
them. This is probably one of the most
difficult things for a lot of parents. Many people
were brought up to believe that faith was some
kind of obligation you fulfilled by attending church
on Sunday. And let's face it, kids today aren't
interested in obligations unless there is some kind
of payout at the end.
Here are some GREAT payouts:
When you give your life to Christ, you secure
your place in heaven. What kid do you know
who doesn't want something he doesn’t have to
earn, but rather is given as a gift?
When God enters your life, you receive
unconditional love. What a concept for a
young person -- someone who will love and accept
them as they are with no strings attached.
Being a Christian means freedom. As you
develop your relationship with Christ, you can be
free from worry and anxiety, addictions and so
many other problems that seem to plague young
people. When you do things God's way, you receive
the benefits of that relationship.
Having God's favor on your life is like
unwrapping a gift every single day. God's
favor is an amazing blessing that makes people
want to be good to you for no apparent reason.
What young person wouldn't want God's blessings
in her life?
Of course, it wouldn't be fair to tell your kids about
the payouts and not tell them about the
responsibilities that come from Christian living.
Here are some of those:
Put God first. This means making the
commitment to seek God. This isn't an easy
concept for kids. There's a lot of competition for
first place in the life of a young person. But helping
them understand that God wants them to be happy
and successful more than they do -- what a great
thing for a young person to hear!
You can help the process by encouraging your kids
to spend time with God reading the Word, and
make sure they understand the importance of
choosing Christian friends that share the same
values.
Find ways to be a blessing. Many kids are
very self-centered. The concept of "being a
blessing" means taking the focus off of themselves
and onto someone else. This is best learned if they
can see you living it. Include them in the process
when you can. You'll be amazed at how good your
kids will feel about themselves.
Act right ON PURPOSE. This
means treating people with kindness, respect and
patience -- even your parents, brothers and sisters.
Right behavior is Christianity in action.
Sharing your faith doesn't have to be complicated.
Start by living it in your own life so your kids can
see it in action. Demonstrate your commitment and
the value you place in an ongoing relationship with
God by finding ways to be a blessing. Kids learn
best by example and modeling your faith is the best
example they will ever see.
Karen Wolff is the founder of www.christian-
books-for-women.com.
|
