Hi Friend, It’s an honor to share Part 2 of What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve with you today. In part 1 What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve Part 1. We looked at 7 of those very important areas that are vital to our children’s spiritual growth. Let’s continue this journey to help our children grow to know our amazing God!
“Remember the Importance of Your Example”
As I mentioned in the related post. It’s always best to start teaching our children at home. Always remember the first “Christlikeness” your children see is YOU – Mommy and Daddy. Of course, for some, it may be one or the other. For others, it may be another member of the family. One thing that is certain is that Christian parents or guardians are the best persons to teach their children about God. It is the best legacy you pass down to your children. Added to that it’s the best way to add life and value to your child’s overall well-being.
Speaking Positively Over Your Child
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The best way to practice what you preach.
Children often remind us of what our example should be. Gone are the days when children were asked to follow a standard that they do not see modeled before them at home. Certainly, we must ensure we live in accordance with what and who we say we are. In this way, our testimony will remain and our children will grow to love the Lord Jesus.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve
Part 2
- They can talk to God for themselves
- Children can pray on behalf of others
- You are not too small to serve God through worship and walking in obedience
- You are unique and specially gifted
- God gives us everything we have and wants us to be thankful
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve
They can talk to God for themselves
Matthew 21:22 explains that “whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” As Christians, we believe that God hears and answers our prayers. This is a major tenet of our faith. Our children need to learn this principle. The best way to teach them the power of prayer is to give them opportunities to pray and to see how God answers prayer.
Prayer is Practical
A good way of doing this is to encourage your children to pray about everything that relates to their life and that of their families. Pray with your children concerning everything. The big and important things and the small and seemingly insignificant things as well.
Recently, there was a blackout in our district and I was home alone with the children at the time. Though my son was scared, as I searched for the torchlight he said “How about if we pray for God to send the electricity back” so I stopped and we held hands and prayed. I continued to look for the torchlight, but in less than 3 minutes the electricity was back on. We skipped and thanked God. My son and daughter saw God’s power and their faith grew stronger. Simply because we practice praying.
Of course, there are times when answers take longer but keep practicing prayer in every situation.
You can even introduce your children to the discipline of fasting it’s not too early.
I personally use it for my children. By teaching your child to pray about everything, they learn that they can pray about anything or anyone. This is important in helping develop an attitude of prayer in the life of a child which will help them as they mature in Christ.
It is also important to draw their attention to prayers that have been answered. Thank God in their presence when prayers are answered, and give God praise. In this way, their faith in God will be increased. There may also be occasions to explain to them that sometimes God may have other plans for us, so He may choose to do things differently. They should also thank God for this.
Start A Prayer Jar
A good family tradition that every family should try to start is a prayer jar. Every member of the family is involved including the children. Write on strips prayer requests. Once you pray about it, drop the strip of paper in the jar. From time to time, the family can gather together and read the requests on the strips. You will be amazed at how much God has been doing. You can make your own jar using a simple empty jar that you decorate or you can purchase one.
2. Children Really Need to Know That they can pray on behalf of others
God Wants Us To Pray For Others
Another important aspect of prayer is to pray for others. Our children need to know that God also needs them to pray for others. Paul prayed for the faithful people in Colossae in Colossians 1:3, Job prayed for his friends in Job 42:10 and Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17:6-26. These examples and more show the importance of praying for others. Encourage your children to pray for others too!
Helping Your Children Pray For Others
A good way to teach children who to pray for is to use their five fingers on their praying hands. As they join their hands for prayer, they can use this method. It’s a great way to make practical the concept of praying for others.
- The closest finger to their chest is the thumb finger. This should remind them to pray for those closest to them such as their family and close friends.
- Secondly the index finger. This is the finger we usually use to point. It is a reminder to pray for those who point us in the right direction. Persons like teachers, parents, pastors, and other church leaders.
- The middle finger is the tallest finger. This reminds us that they should pray for the leaders of government. This includes the prime minister or president, his cabinet, and other community leaders.
- The fourth finger is the ring finger. It is believed that this finger is the weakest of all the fingers. Therefore, this finger should remind them to pray for the sick and those that are weak.
- And finally, the smallest finger. This finger should remind children to pray for themselves last as it is important to put the interest of others above our own.
Parents can also choose to use the popular ‘mommy finger, daddy finger’ as another variation to teach children who to pray for.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve 10/12
You are not too small to serve God
In many societies, children are made to believe that they would first have to grow before they can serve in various ministries. As a result, serving God seems to be portrayed as an adult thing. This is certainly not the case where the bible is concerned. There are too many examples of children accomplishing great things for God in the bible. God certainly can use anyone and children are no exemptions.
Every child should know that they are not too small to serve God through worship and walking obedience.
Who Served God through worship and Walked In Obedience
Young David is a great example of what God can do when a child puts his or her faith in God. David was between 10 to 15 years old when he defeated Goliath and delivered his entire nation from the persecution of the Philistines. Wow! This was an amazing feat for any child in God’s hand. God can do the same for your child.
With this understanding, don’t be afraid to involve your child in ministry by giving them special responsibilities. Samuel was given several tasks to do in the temple with Eli the high priest and eventually God spoke to him. Begin with simple tasks at home, also giving them the opportunity to take initiative. Always encourage prayer as part of their responsibilities. This teaches them early that God gives them the ability to accomplish great things.
Finally, always take the opportunity to celebrate your child’s accomplishments. Let them know that every effort is appreciated by God and always encourage them to do better.
If you haven’t already please check out the following posts that also gives additional tips that help teach children to enjoy worship and serving God.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve
They are unique and specially gifted
A very important principle for every parent to hold is that every child is special and is a unique creation of God. This means that no two children are the same even though they may come from the same family. Each child has unique characteristics, mannerisms, and abilities that help make them become the unique child that he or she is. Each child is one of a kind and represents God’s special design. This is why the psalmist says “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Psalms 139:14. It is God’s desire for each of us to be different; otherwise, He would make each of us the exact same way.
For this reason, He took the time to form each child just the way they are and the way He wanted. Also, it is critical to help children understand that their identity is in Christ and not in any standard of this world. Every child is important to God and is precious in His sight!
Children need to know They are Unique and Specially Gifted
Parents must communicate this truth to their children. This cannot just be done in a lesson, but must be done in your daily interactions with your children. It means your language must be constantly monitored in order to always speak positively to your children. Expressions such as “You are beautiful”, “I love you”, “You have a beautiful smile” and “You fine just the way God made you.” “You were not created to be something else or someone else.” You have the mind of Christ.” These are some expressions every child should hear from parents and those closest to them. This will help children accept and love themselves as God’s perfect creation.
If a child thinks that he or she is not special and not valued by others, then their behavior and attitude will reflect that. Many children who are troubled are often as a result of a low self esteem. Conversely, if a child knows that they are special and of great value, then they will think, speak and act that way.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve 12/12
GOD GIVES US EVERYTHING WE HAVE AND WANTS US TO BE THANKFUL
A really good exercise for every family to do is to take time to list all the things that they are thankful to God for. Ask your child, “What are some things our family should be thankful for?” They should also be asked, “Who should we give thanks to for all that we have?” This will help your child realize that there are lots of reasons to give thanks to God.
Thanksgiving Holidays give a wonderful opportunity to do that. However, children must understand that being thankful should not be seasonal but a daily act.
Thanksgiving should be part of your child’s daily prayers.
Encourage your children to find something to thank God for whenever they pray. It will help your child to focus on the wonderful things God is doing daily, rather than complaining about what they lack.
Our children must also be taught to show appreciation whenever someone does something for them. A simple thank you will go a long way in helping your child show appreciation to others who have done something nice for them.
There may be times that may require more than just saying thank you. With the help of parents, children can brainstorm other ways of saying thank you. For example, giving their class teacher a bouquet of flowers would be pretty nice. Making a thank you card to their parents would be greatly appreciated.
Why Thankfulness
When we say thanks and show appreciation to others, it makes others feel really good to know that they are appreciated for all that they do. Now imagine how God feels when we say thanks. God does so much for us every day. He provides us with food, life, home and lots more. He sometimes provides us with blessings through others. Every day God provides us with everything we need. It makes God happy when we remember to say thank you.
Let’s help every child develop an attitude of gratitude that will attract even more of God’s favor upon their lives.
Make this Thanksgiving craft with your family
I Love To Give Thanks
In Conclusion
As we have looked at these twelve points. It may seem to be a whole lot. You may be surprised to know that you have already started to apply some of these to your child’s life. Be encouraged, as I mentioned in the first part of this post.
Depend on the Holy Spirit. As you do what you can do He will finish what you can’t do. Do worry just depend on His help. Also for special resources to help your children and other children in the relationship with God visit Child Evangelism Fellowship
Thank you for reading this post. I trust that all that was shared will help you teach your child or children What They Really Need To Know About The God You Serve.
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Be sure to stay safe and blessed.
And as always thank you for reading this post.
