Did you know that 80% of kids who are church goers, will leave church by the time they are in their 20's?
Now I don't know how accurate that statistic is, but I do know that it is high enough to reveal that there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
It's pretty simple, really. Bottom line is: Kids are not stupid. They have eyes and ears. Frankly, for the most part...if they have parents who are applying God's promises and principals to their lives, their children will be much more apt to take God seriously. He or she will see the power of God in your lives and will want to incorporate it into their own lives as they grow.
Great News!
When you do this, there is actually a 300% better chance that your kids will continue to walk with the Lord, even when they get older!
I'm not saying you have to be perfect. But it would be great if you were honest. For example, if you are upset about something and you don't deal with it well - then admit that little fact to your kids...or even grandkids. Tell them you know that is not how God would want you to react.
Goes against the grain for you to admit that you actually have faults? Well, that is something you are going to have to deal with. It's nothing short of pride...and we know that pride goes before a fall.
So now what?
A couple of things come to mind:
1) Depending on the maturity of the child you could ask them to pray with you.
That lets them know that you know you aren't perfect and need God's help. It also opens up
the door for...
2) An opportunity to pray with them about any problems they are having. (But do that
later - when the problem actually comes up).
There are so many creative things you can do.
One creative something I can share with you has to do with "Faith Conversations".
Faith Conversations are just that. Conversations about faith. Throughout the day, in a matter of fact sort of way, simply bring up principals of God's word and use it in a practical way so that both you, your kids or your grandchildren, can be reminded that God is very real in every circumstance.
Still uncertain as to what I'm talking about? If so, get a piece of paper or go on the computer and write down various traits that God speaks of in His Word.
Patience, Peace, Love, Kindness, Self-Control...the list goes on. Then see what God has to say about it.
Talk about those things, individually as they apply, throughout the day. As you do that you will teach your kids - or grandkids - how to naturally apply God's word to their lives. Oh. And don't be "preachy" sounding. Very annoying.
Your child or grandchild isn't a Christian? Afraid of "pushing your beliefs" on them? Hey, telling them how God is working in your life can be an awesome tool and a great...
Faith Conversation...
4 comments:
I love this. I find I have had to do this more often in my childrens 20 somethings more than I actualluy knew to do in their childhood. I have no excuse because I've been following Jesus since 23 yrs old. The Fruit Of The Spirit is sooo important. Your article is total wisdom from God, yet seems so simple. For those who have little children, BE KIND and PATIENT, and have many Faith Conversations. You will be happy you did, and your children will be so much more understanding and aware when they need it most.
Very good post---thank you. I would add that when the husband/father goes to church, the likelihood of the entire family also going is extremely high...but when the mother/wife goes with the children and the father stays home, the children usually do not stay with the church-going experience. Mainline Christian denominations have dropped the ball on this, catering to women, who now make up about 65% of attendance. We gotta find a way to get men in church.
I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God bless, Lloyd
What a terrific idea! I have had "faith conversations" with my sons - it's really quite refreshing. And THEY so often have insights that help me grow, too.
I SO agree - there is a gap in the 20's for Christian young people. The world doesn't honor commitment to Christ so much during those years - it's so sad, really.
I think you have such great suggestions - to reach out with the "reality" of our relationship with Jesus - to share how faithful He has been in our lives - and to let everyone see how much we just plain LOVE Him!!
GOD BLESS!
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