How to Lead Children to Believe in God

I believe, as parents, we will raise children with love. We want their needs to be met, their childhood to be happy, and to grow optimally. 

However, there is one more thing we need to pay attention to: that children grow to love and know the Lord from an early age. As believers, of course we long for children to stand in awe, love, and follow the Lord, don't we? We want God's word to guide and guard their lives, from childhood to adulthood.

For that reason, it is very important for parents  to lead children to believe in the Lord. So that from an early age children already have faith and biblical values, so that their lives are well guarded. Here are some ways to do it.

Guide Children to Believe in God from an Early Age

Psalm 78:5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed the law in Israel; He commanded our forefathers to make it known to their children.

Since Old Testament times, the Lord has greatly desired the people of Israel to know Him. Therefore, when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, the Lord commanded Joshua to place and preserve 12 memorial stones (Joshua 4:5-7). 

What was the purpose? It was so that their children would later remember the Lord's amazing works. The presence of those stones was proof that the Lord had kept the people of Israel safe all the way to the land of Canaan.

Introducing children to the Lord from an early age is the first step. We can do this by portraying the Lord as the Almighty Creator, all-good, all-powerful, our Helper and Loving One, who deeply desires to be close to children. 

Besides that, we can also teach children to pray and worship every Sunday. Introducing children to believe in the Lord can also be done by teaching children's worship songs. This is because melody makes it easier for children to remember who the Lord.

Tell Stories from the Bible 

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ .

One way to teach children to believe in the Lord is through stories in the Bible. And the most effective way for children is through storytelling.

The Bible is rich with stories about people who were close to the Lord. From those full of faith, like Abraham; full of courage, like Daniel and  David; as well as those who were faithful, like Job. 

Tell them at bedtime, and make them want to be like those figures who knew the Lord. From there they will see that those great figures were people who believed in the Lord.

Teach Children to Do What God Teaches

Deuteronomy 5:1 Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and rules that I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to do them.”

Besides introducing the Lord, telling stories from the Bible and His commands, children must also be taught to practice the word of God, so that the word of God becomes part of their daily lives.

What can be put into practice?

• teach children to tell the truth and not lie
• apologize when they do wrong, 
• humbly say thank you
• share with others, whether food or toys
• give to the Lord through the offering every week
• be friendly or have a kind attitude toward everyone
• respect others 
• not be selective in friendship
• and much more

After all that, there is one more thing that must not be forgotten.

Teach About God Again and Again 

Deuteronomy 6:7 You shall teach them diligently to your children and talk of them when you sit in your house, when you are on the road, when you lie down, and when you rise

Teaching children to believe in the Lord is not enough only when children are little. This is something that must be taught again and again. Even when they are teenagers, in college, and after they start working, this task is one we must keep doing as parents. 

Over time, children will certainly struggle. Through their struggles, whether when they are in school, in college, or after they have started working, there are times when children suddenly doubt and are not sure whether the Lord is present in their lives.

Just like us. Sometimes, when life feels hard, we too can doubt the presence of the Lord, His promises, and His presence with us 

Just as we ourselves must reassure our faith in the Lord again and again, so also parents must not stop teaching children to keep believing in the Lord at all times!

So, never grow tired of teaching it.

Do Not Forget to Be an Example

Lastly, even if we have done those 3 things well and tirelessly, remember, our lives are the most powerful lesson for children to believe in and depend on the Lord. 

We ourselves need to be an example for the children. For instance, by not lying, speaking gently, giving to those in need, and so on. If we teach and do what we teach, it will be much easier for children to follow it.

Keep going, you can do it!

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• What Is Good Enough Parenting?
• Are These 7 Signs of a Happy Family Already Present in Your Family?
• Building a Spiritually Healthy Family
• When Tireless Efforts Still Bear No Fruit
• Consistency: An Important Element of Success

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