Children naturally speak what’s on their minds. But what is predominantly on their minds?
Is it television? Movies? Friends? Toys? Sporting events? As an adult, you influence them greatly.
Your actions and words testify boldly. But what are they testifying to? If you lie, your child will believe
it’s ok to lie. If you focus on the world’s story, your child will, too. If you try to live your life as a
follower
of Jesus, then so will they.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 ESV
A joyous, faithful Christian is contagious. As adults, we need to practice the characteristics of a
disciple – study diligently, pray continuously, testify boldly, serve creatively, gathering faithfully, live generously, and worship wholeheartedly.
One of the most important things you can do is to let your child see Jesus in you. Let your child
know that Jesus and God are important to you. Make it a practice to be in Sunday School each week. Let
your child see you studying the Bible at home. Pray with them before meals, at night, in the morning,
or any time. If your child needs books to practice reading, borrow some Bible storybooks from our library.
Do a service project together like selecting food to go in the food baskets at church, and discussing why you are doing it. Let your child discover that “sacrifice” is not a bad word. Help your child learn to give a portion of his/her money and time to God’s work for others. Let your child see you worshipping on Sundays, and the joy you have praising God. These are just a few ideas for you to consider.
You testify boldly about Jesus when you walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk, and your children will grow up to testify boldly, too.
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, 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."
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV
