Parents need to be proactive to keep kids strong in their faith

Now that kids are back in school, Christian parents are concerned with reinforcing their faith in an increasingly secular culture. “How we value, protect and love children reveals the spiritual health of a nation,” Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Auburn, Wash., says.

Appearing on Fox News, he shared four insights to help parents and family caregivers pass along their faith to their kids today.

The greatest impact is from up close. “Doctrine is helpful, but living life together is far more significant,” Bradley said. “Kids want more than just the truth; they want to feel loved.” To convey this, he said, parents need to “listen well. Understand. God is the father of compassion and the God of all comfort. There is a ministry of presence and nearness that gives a child a sense of security and connection.”

You can’t take your kids deeper in faith than you choose to go. Children want to know what their parents believe and why they believe it. Given this, “share with them the reason for the hope you have. Following Jesus is not a blind faith — it’s based on historical evidence and facts,” he said. Children notice actions on Sunday mornings, “but they want to see what you are like when no one is watching,” Bradley said. “How do you respond when you are frustrated? What about when money is tight? What is your reaction when someone mistreats you?”

Kids will hear what you say but imitate what you do. “They will detect a double life,” he said. “If you encourage your children to trust and follow Jesus, then make sure that you really are doing this, too. If you tell your kids to speak kind words, make sure you avoid gossip and slander. “If you tell your kids to have integrity, make sure you are honest with your business, taxes and neighbors. If you tell your kids to be generous, make sure you tip well at restaurants and give to people who can never pay you back.”

If you can cultivate habits together, you can build a legacy for generations. “You can teach your kids how to read the Bible and have spiritual nourishment every day,” Bradley said.

Finally, parents can do the following:

• Teach kids how to have an attitude of gratitude in every situation.

• Teach kids how to bring hospitality to others instead of looking to be served.
• Teach kids how to use their talents to bless others and glorify God.

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice