Here’s a tough question for most parents who consider
themselves to be Christians: “How many times in a week do your kids hear or see
you talking to the God you follow?” This one may be even tougher, “When is the
last time you talked to your kids about what God is doing in your life or what
He may be trying to do in theirs?”
Research done by the Search Institute proves my observations
to be correct. Less than 12% of teens
claim to have any conversations of a spiritual nature with their kids. It gets
worse… only 5% have these kids claim to have faith conversations with their
dads.
In spite of these findings, all Christian parents would
desire that their kids develop a faith that will sustain them through the
temptations and struggles of life. The question is, how will they learn that
God is real and ever present if He is, in fact, a stranger in their home?
When it comes to boldness, there is no better place to let
your faith show than in your home with your kids. I'm sure your church works really hard teaching your kids of a loving, relational God, but witnessing that
love and relationship will do more than anything the very best Children's Ministry can do in the very limited
time they have with them.
Here are a few tips that will help PARENTS begin to acknowledge God's presence in your home...
P - Pray out loud. Let them hear you talk to God. When you see a firetruck in route say, "God keep them safe and help whoever is involved in this emergency." When you find your keys say, "Thanks, God for helping me find my keys." When you eat or at bedtime or on the way to school, "God, help us to hear your instructions so we can be better followers."
A - Apologize to them. Everyone makes mistakes, even parents. Kids learn about repentance as they see it modeled. "I'm sorry I yelled instead of listening better." "I'm sorry I was unkind to daddy." "I'm sorry I wasn't there... didn't help... jumped to conclusion... was grumpy... I know God wants me to do better... " Plenty of opportunities arise for us to demonstrate a contrite spirit and a humble heart.
R - Recognize and Identify God's Handiwork. Be on a constant God hunt. Pay attention to where He is working and what He is doing and talk about it. "I love the way God painted the butterflies... sky... the way he created animals with their own camo... the way he made you smart like your dad or beautiful like your mom... the seasons change... the rainbow..." Open your eyes and ears and notice Him!
E -Empower them to serve. Help them to see the needs around them everywhere, all the time. Serve in a soup kitchen as a family, visit a reputable website to learn how to help the needy around the world, help the elderly load their groceries and take care of their cart, open doors for moms who need a hand, tutor a younger child, invite the lonely to a holiday dinner, above all- model serving one another in love
N - Never stop learning. Your Bible is your connection to the heart of God. It will help you know him so you can share him with your kids. Read Bible Story books to them, rent or buy DVDs that tell Bible Stories. Put a Bible App on your phone so that you are constantly involved in a reading plan. Be regular church attenders and volunteer to teach children... preparing a lesson is a great tool for learning!
T - Thankfulness is a great way to demonstrate your trust in God. Focus on all His blessings rather than all you may feel you are lacking. Play the Thankful Game at the table and go around several times stating what you thank God for as you eat your meal. At bedtime list a dozen things you are thankful that God provided today. Refuse to fall into the "I want" trap and rebuke self pity at all times
S - Sing! Kids learn so much better when you put words to music. Invest in some kids CDs so that as you travel they can hear words of Scripture or truths they will carry with them. If your kids are older, tune the radio to Christian broadcasting.
“God, make us aware of the critical need to model what it means to walk with You in our daily
lives and give us the boldness to live our faith out loud at home and everywhere we go.”
