FAITH IN GOD is the most important value you can pass on to your children. If your child was a tree, faith would be the roots that supports everything that goes on in his life. Faith enables your child to trust in a Friend he cannot see, to believe Jesus loves him no matter what he does, and to have total confidence in every word He says.
WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS FAITH IN GOD
He believes Jesus died on the cross to save him because God loves him and wants to be with him always.
She believes what Jesus tells her in His book, the Bible. She knows every word is true.
He believes that Jesus will help him make the right choices and guide him every day.
She believes Jesus will help her when she's in trouble and tell her what to do.
He believes Jesus will always forgive him when he makes mistakes.
She believes Jesus is always with her.
He believes Jesus wants to be his very best Friend. And he wants to be with Him today, tomorrow, and spend eternity with Him in heaven.
GOD'S VIEW OF FAITH
Faith is a gift from God. Jesus promises to give us faith, if we ask for it (Matthew 7:7).
We can't make faith on our own. But God gives everyone a certain amount of faith--enough to begin a trusting relationship with Him. Our faith grows as we spend time with Jesus. The Bible says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). When we hear what God has done, when we see His promises come to life, our faith and trust in Him will grow.
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD GROW IN FAITH
Build an Atmosphere of Faith at Home. Children absorb the atmosphere around them. Atmosphere can be felt as soon as you step into a home. Make yours spiritual and faith building. Ask yourself, "If a stranger came to our house, how would he know if we have faith in God?"Share Your Joy in the Lord. Talk about the special things God has done for your family. Thank Him every day for His new blessings. Make a "Joy in Jesus" notebook about your family. Put in it all the wonderful gifts you have received from God. Share with your child how Jesus fills your life with joy.
Pray for Your Child and with Your Child. Start and end your day by talking to Jesus. Pray for God's angels to surround your child before he goes off to school. Pray about any problems that come up at home. Ask the Holy Spirit to be with your child all the time. And teach her to pray for others.
Read God's Word as a Family. Find a relaxing time of day to enjoy reading God's Word together. Use a modern version so your child will understand what the Bible says. Focus first on stories in the gospels. Then branch out to other faith stories about people who loved God and had strong faith in Him. Have Family Worship every day by reading the Bible, a Bible Study lesson, or another devotional book.
Share Your Personal Faith Journey. Tell your child how you first fell in love with Jesus. Share how you've followed Him and how He's answered your prayers. Tell him about the ups and downs. Always let her know how Jesus provided for everything you need. He will begin to learn that no matter what happens, Jesus is always there for you!
Make Bible Learning Interesting and Fun. Create happy memories around God's Word. Use Bible games, DVD's, videos, tapes and crafts. Give your child his own special Bible. As she grows, help her to use a Bible concordance. Learn about Bible customs. Use Bible maps. Avoid hard words and long lessons whenever teaching your child about God's Word.
Teach Your Child that Prayer is Having a Friendship with Jesus. Prayer is talking to Jesus and He's a forever Friend who's always there. Teach your child that he can talk to Jesus about anything anytime and anywhere he goes.
Learn How to Share Faith as a Family. Faith in Jesus is love for Jesus. It's not just something we believe in our heads. It's Someone we know and love with all our heart. A Family of Faith passes on their faith wherever they are. Do things as a family to spread the joy you have in God's love, the confidence you have in His Word, and the hope you have that Jesus is coming soon. Share faith in your neighborhood. Pass out little tracts. Share with a shut-in a picture your child has made. Visit the sick and sing a song or a Bible verse you're learning at home. There are many people who need faith in God and so many ways we can share it!
May Jesus Christ dwell in your hearts
and in your home through faith.
And may the Lord bless you
as you pass on this faith
as a witness
to others.
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