Hi Friend, As Christian parents, one of our duties is to teach our children about the God we serve and why we serve Him. In this post; What Children Really Need to Know About the God, You Serve we will look at 12 very important areas that are vital to our children’s spiritual growth.
I have divided it into two posts.
What Children Really Need To Know About God – Part 2
“Charity Begins At Home”
While we have the help of our Christian community and the church family to assist, media, and beautiful books. It’s always best to start teaching our children at home. The first “Christlikeness” your children see is YOU – Mommy and Daddy. Of course, for some, it may be one or the other along with other extensions of the family. One thing for certain is that Christian parents are the best people to teach their children about God. In other words a legacy you pass down to your children.
So where do you start and how do you know what you are doing is effective? Let me be honest, I don’t have all the answers, however, what I know for sure is that once you do your best as a parent or parents, the Holy Spirit has a wonderful way of doing the rest.
I’d like to share these essentials that I know every child from a Christian home should know and be taught. We would take a short look at the list below one by one as we go along. As I mentioned I have divided this list into two parts. Read to the end to see what to expect in Part 2.
Part 1
- That God is a King
- God is Creator of All Things
- Jesus Truly Loves Them more than anyone can
- Jesus died on the cross to pay for their sin and rose again
- God sees and knows everything
- He is preparing a place for them in heaven
- He wants them to let others know God’s love too
It’s not always easy teaching your own children, and sometimes, it’s hard to see the progress, but don’t stop and don’t give up. The fruit always takes some time to show.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve # 1
God is King
Many children know some things about kings even though their countries do not have monarchies. They know that kings wear a crown, dress in royal robes, and carry a scepter to show they have power and authority. As a result, they also understand that kings are revered because of their status.
It is important that our children understand that Jesus is not like these kings. He is not like those they may read about in books or see in animations on television or on the internet. Some Kings were very wicked in their dealings with others. They placed heavy burdens on their subjects, stole their land and property, and forced the people into servitude. Jesus as King is totally different. He served his people, he invited those who are heavily burdened to find rest in Him. And most of all He showed His unlimited love for His people by dying on the cross for their sins. He does not seek opportunities to punish but forgives others who have done wrong.
Our children should know that as King, Jesus desires to make them his children. Princes and princesses and not subjects to be controlled and pushed around. He desires to make them joint heirs of His blessings rather than ruthlessly taking their possessions. As a result of this, Jesus as the king deserves respect, honor, and worship. He deserves to be king of their hearts and lives.
What To Do With This Knowledge of God The King
Children need to be taught how to show love, respect, and honor to God as King. This can be achieved in simple but meaningful ways. Such as teaching your child to pray with their eyes closed in a kneeling position. Not that there is a problem with any other praying positions, but it helps with reverence to God our King.
Another way is to encourage children to raise their hands during worship at home and in church. Discourage them from saying phrases like ‘omg’ and discourage the misuse of his name in ordinary speech. The idea is to teach your child to remember God is King. Therefore we should honor Him in everything that we do, say, and even desire.
2. Children Really Need to Know The God You Serve is The Creator of All Things
God is CREATOR
The very first words in scripture tell us that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen1:1). Following that verse, the Bible goes on to present a step by step explanation of God’s creation. During outdoor activities like picnics, trips to the beach, and walks in and around the community there are lots to be admired.
Soon, your child may ask, who created the ocean, mountain, stars, and sun? What a great opportunity to speak about the power of God the Creator. It may be difficult to understand that God said “let there be…” and all of these beautiful things of nature came to be. Surely though your child may soon realize that God is great and awesome.
When it comes to man-made things like houses, bridges, computers, and even their toys, however, we correctly say to our children that God did not make these. God gave others the ability to come up with important ideas that help us enjoy life while we are here on earth. Although this is true, it is important to highlight this detail. Deuteronomy 8:18 explains that we should “remember the Lord your God is the one who gives you the power to do these things” (ERV). Yes, God’s fingerprints are all over the world, directly or indirectly. Our children should appreciate that fact. God gives knowledge, strength, and power to accomplish things. This will help our children to be thankful to God for everything they have.
There is another “who created…” that your child may ask. That is, who created God. Well, that will be another lesson altogether that will require a lot more time than we can cover in this post.
Amazing Bible Role Models For Girls
Amazing Bible Heroes you can use as great role models for your children!
Amazing Bible Role Models For Boys
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve # 3
Jesus Truly Loves Them more than anyone can
It is very easy for children to think that they are too insignificant for God to take notice of them or even love them for that matter. The relationship with God seems like an adult thing to many children. This was exactly what the disciples thought when children were brought to Jesus. They thought that the children were a bother to Jesus and that they did not matter to Him. Yet this is far from the truth.
Yes! Children matter to God and they are highly valued and loved by Him. This is why Jesus said to his disciples “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them” (Matthew 19:14). The fact remains, that Jesus loves children more than anyone else. He even declared that the “Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children” (Luke 18:16). Wow! What a powerful declaration for every boy and girl.
Every child should know God’s love for them. They need to know that they matter to God, even though they don’t feel loved by any other person. The God of the universe loves them, and that matters to every child. When a child understands this and accepts it, it changes their life. There is a reason for them to keep on living, to do their best, and to value themselves and others.
What You Do To Help Them Understand This Love
Parents need to take time to teach their children of God’s love. Read every narrative involving God’s relationship with children. Teach them about the boy David and his great exploits. Teach them about Samuel and how he heard the voice of God very early. Teach them how Jesus raised little Tabitha from the dead. Involve them in the family worship time. Encourage them to memorize God’s word, particularly those that speak of his love. By doing this, your child’s life will be transformed by the love of God.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve # 4
Jesus died on the cross for their sin and rose again
One of the most difficult subjects to teach children is death. The concept of going forever and not coming back is not only difficult for them to imagine but can also be difficult to experience. Yet, death is a reality in every family.
Speaking to your children about the death of Jesus is an excellent way of preparing them to deal with the loss of loved ones and even their pets. It gives them an opportunity to speak about it in an easy-to-understand way.
What do your children need to know about Jesus’ death and Resurrection?
- Jesus died for us because he loves us (Romans 5:8)
- After 3 days Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:4).
- He is now living in heaven (Mark 16:19)
- If we accept Jesus, in our hearts as our friend, one day we will live in heaven with him (John 14:3).
The best time to bring up the topic of death is at what I call a ‘teaching moment’. That opportunity may come upon one of their favorite television programs or a dead animal on the road. Take this opportunity to speak about Jesus’ death. The conversation might begin with, “do you know who else died?” That’s a good place to start. I have been asked by children before where do animals go when they died, and I have used this as the start of this significant conversation.
The benefits of speaking to your child about Christ’s death and resurrection are many. Nonetheless, the greatest benefit is that your child will grow with the knowledge of Christ’s love and a desire to live with Him someday.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve # 4
GOD SEE EVERYTHING
My son always loves playing hide and seek. I secretly chuckle at his innocence in finding his secret hiding place. For example, it doesn’t matter to him if his body is out in the open, once his face is covered, he believes he is hidden from me. I pretend to be in desperate search of him until he burst into laughter. This presents a perfect opportunity to let him know that God knows everything about him at all times.
This is because God is all-knowing. He sees everything, hears everything, and knows everything, even what we think. Wow, what a concept for our little ones to grasp! Yet it has many implications for our little ones. They can feel better knowing that God knows when they are scared, troubled, or sad. They can be confident that God sees when others are mean to them, or when no one knows, God knows. It means that they can be in no doubt when they pray. They can tell God in their own special way, their fears, troubles, and difficulties.
Knowing that God knows everything can also influence their behavior. They will understand that even though they may do something that mom and dad don’t know about, God knows. Therefore, they may not want to disappoint God. Instead, they may be on the best behavior whether in the presence of family or alone.
God sees and knows everything
More importantly, it is necessary for them to understand that God, who sees and knows everything, is not sitting by hoping that they do something wrong, just to punish them. On the contrary, God’s knowledge of everything is often to help us in times of weakness and trouble. He is also interested in rewarding us, especially when we do good with no ulterior motives. Thank God He knows all.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve # 6
He is preparing a place for them in heaven
A good lesson for every child is to know that God has prepared a prize for everyone who lives according to His word. That prize is heaven. Jesus has prepared a place called heaven, which is a perfectly happy place where there is no pain or trouble. It is also a place where we can live with Christ forever. This is exactly what Jesus said to His friends in the bible. “Don’t worry,” Jesus said, “I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will be with Me” (John 14:3).
Everyone is invited to live with Jesus forever. However, there is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Jesus has provided the way to eternal life. Anyone who wishes to live in heaven must follow the teachings that Jesus has given to us in the Bible — God’s Holy Word.
The implication of such an understanding gives every child another reason to make wise choices and a willingness to learn and live according to God’s Holy Word. In addition, our children are better able to understand that when a Christian dies, they go to a ‘better place’.
What Children Really Need to Know About the God You Serve # 7
That He wants them to let others know God’s love too
I believe that the best witnesses of Christ’s love are children. Why? Because they are genuine, honest, and innocent. Also, they will not be concerned about how they sound and at times what others may think. They are just priceless in sharing their faith.
A good way to encourage your child to let others know about God’s love is to get them to participate in compassionate acts. For example, you may have your child give a toy to another child who needs it. Or visit someone who is sick. Teach them that these acts of love are ways of showing others God’s love.
In addition, they get to see how you treat others who are in need. They get a chance to hear you encourage others in God. This indirectly teaches your child to tell others about God, and their ability to do such is developed naturally. Children learn by precepts and examples. If you create the right atmosphere for their spiritual growth, they will certainly become all that God desires them to be.
MODEL CHRIST
Begin to examine if there are areas you have already been applying to your child’s spiritual growth and also to evaluate areas that can be improved. It is ok also if you have not yet started to begin today. God is ready to help you. As I mentioned early you are the best model that is as a Christian parent that your child or children can have.
If you are reading this post and you have not asked the Lord to be your Saviour and friend and you would love to make that decision in order to know and love God. Feel free to email me for more information at momandministry1@gmail.com.
And if you haven’t already check on these posts!
In the mean time stay safe and blessed. And as always thank you for reading this post.
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What Children Really Need To Know About God – Part 2
They can talk to God for themselves
That they 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
Thanks for this article. It really confirmed some thoughts I had.
That’s great to know Faithful One