For Parents Who Care
PRACTICAL HELP FOR PARENTS WHOSE CHILD MAKES A LIFE-DECISION FOR CHRIST
When a child expresses faith in Jesus Christ, there will be signs of a new spiritual life which will need careful cultivation. Giving one’s allegiance to Christ forever is a big step. Young people can make such a step, but they will need their parent’s help.
The church stands ready to assist, providing literature and counsel. However, the Bible makes it clear that children are committed to their parents. How discouraging it is when the church alone does the teaching. Children who are merely church-taught and not home-taught almost invariably fall away.
A child must have a Christian home. We are asking you to take the initiative and the responsibility before God to prepare your child – to teach your child in the way of God.
“IS MY CHILD TOO YOUNG?”
This is often asked. It really is not just a matter of age. Often it is a matter of the will. Is your child ready and willing to follow Christ? Are you the parent willing to take your God-given responsibility?
If the child does not desire – or is not permitted – to share in the simple schedule of weekly services, then this ought to be considered before applying for church membership. Young people (and adults) need to study the Bible together, worship together, hear the Scriptures taught and hear other Christians share their faith and testimony so they will be well-rounded and instructed. If there is hesitation at this point, this needs to be dealt with and settled first.
Nothing strikes deeper – for good or bad – into a youngster’s heart than the every-day example of the parent. In addition, surrounding the child with the atmosphere of Christian home worship will keep him on the way. Daily family devotions need not be long – perhaps just after supper or at some convenient, regular time. Brief, earnest prayers and a short passage from a book of the Bible will get you underway. Suggestions for this will appear in print on this site.
Parents who have children seeking to live Christian lives must beware of discouraging them.
When they fail and sin and require rebuke and punishment, it ought to be done is a proper manner.
Repeated remarks such as, “You don’t act like a Christian!” is apt to be fatally discouraging. It is true that they need to be reminded that God sees all and that their life may be disappointing Him. However, this ought never be done in the heat of the moment but later – perhaps after appropriate punishment has been administered. Lovingly and prayerfully encourage them to seek the Lord’s forgiveness and trust the Spirit to help them in the future.
It would be an excellent thing to help them establish their own devotional life of private prayer and Bible reading.
No doubt the subject of their baptism will come up. As we have already pointed out, if they are encouraged to lead a regular church life, then this ought to be considered soon. As they apply, you can help them prepare by following through on the matters discussed above. In addition, see that they are acquainted with at least one or two of the church leaders. Make sure, too, that the pastor knows your child by name.
Finally. May I beg you to keep this sheet for repeated review and checkup in the future? (A lot of ground is covered here!) Perhaps fold it and place it in your Bible.
“START CHILDREN OFF ON THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO,
AND EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OLD THEY WILL NOT TURN
FROM IT.” Proverbs 22:6