Family Faith Guide: Teaching Kids When They Understand Jesus as Lord

Introduction

Teaching children about Jesus as Lord is a vital aspect of Christian parenting. As parents, we have the responsibility to pass on our faith to the next generation, nurturing their spiritual growth and helping them develop a personal relationship with Jesus. However, this task can sometimes feel overwhelming. In a study conducted by The Kitchen Table Project, 92% of Christian parents expressed their desire to do more to teach their children about the Christian faith. Fortunately, there are effective strategies and principles that can guide us in this important endeavor.

Importance of Teaching Kids When They Understand Jesus as Lord

Building a Resilient Faith: Christian parenting equips children with a resilient faith, preparing them to face life’s challenges with hope and trust in God. By teaching them about Jesus as Lord, we instill in them the foundation of their faith and help them develop a deep-rooted relationship with Him. This strong connection will sustain them throughout their lives.
Nurturing Godly Individuals: Christian parenting plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of faithful individuals who will carry forward the message of Christ’s love and salvation. By teaching our children about Jesus as Lord, we are shaping their character and values, instilling in them the importance of loving God and loving others.
Guiding Moral Decision-Making: When children understand Jesus as Lord, they have a framework for making moral decisions based on His teachings. They learn to align their actions with biblical principles and seek guidance from Jesus in all aspects of their lives. This understanding empowers them to make choices that honor God and contribute positively to society.

Strategies for Teaching Kids About Jesus as Lord

Modeling a Faith-Filled Life: Children learn best through observation, so it is essential to model a faith-filled life before them. Show them what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus by regularly engaging in prayer, Bible reading, and attending church together as a family. Let them see your genuine love for God and His Word.
Engaging in Meaningful Conversations: Create an open and safe environment where your children can freely ask questions about faith. Encourage their curiosity and provide age-appropriate answers. Use everyday experiences, such as nature or relationships, to illustrate biblical truths and help them understand the significance of Jesus as Lord.
Utilizing Scripture: The Bible is a powerful tool for teaching children about Jesus as Lord. Select age-appropriate Bible stories that highlight His teachings and actions, emphasizing His love, sacrifice, and lordship. Engage your children in discussions about these stories, encouraging them to reflect on the lessons learned and how they can apply them in their lives.

Incorporating Faith into Daily Life

Family Devotions and Prayer: Establish a routine of family devotions and prayer times. Gather as a family to read the Bible, discuss its teachings, and pray together. This practice reinforces the importance of faith in everyday life and strengthens the family’s bond.
Worship and Church Involvement: Regularly attend church services together as a family and actively participate in worship. Encourage your children to engage in age-appropriate church activities, such as Sunday school or youth groups, where they can learn more about Jesus as Lord alongside their peers.
Service and Outreach: Teach your children the importance of serving others and sharing God’s love with those in need. Engage in community service projects or outreach activities as a family, demonstrating how Jesus’ lordship extends beyond personal faith to impacting the world around us.

Overcoming Challenges

Addressing Doubts and Questions: As children grow older, they may encounter doubts or questions about their faith. Encourage them to express their concerns openly and honestly. Provide reassurance, support, and resources, such as books or articles, that address their specific doubts. Help them navigate these challenges by pointing them back to Jesus as the ultimate source of truth.
Navigating Cultural Influences: In today’s increasingly secular world, children are exposed to various cultural influences that may contradict their faith. Teach them discernment by discussing these influences and helping them understand how to align their beliefs with biblical principles. Encourage critical thinking and equip them with the tools to evaluate ideas against the truth of God’s Word.
Praying for Guidance: Parenting is a journey that requires wisdom and guidance from God. Pray regularly for your children’s spiritual growth, asking the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and reveal Jesus as Lord to them in a personal way. Trust in God’s faithfulness and lean on Him for strength and wisdom as you guide your children in their faith journey.

Recommended Resources

“Grace Based Parenting: Set Your Family Free” by Tim Kimmel: This book offers practical guidance on raising children with grace, focusing on nurturing their faith and character.
“The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity” by Alex McFarland: This resource equips parents with answers to challenging questions that children may ask about Christianity, helping them navigate theological discussions with confidence.

Conclusion

Teaching kids about Jesus as Lord is an essential responsibility of Christian parents. By building a resilient faith, nurturing godly individuals, and guiding moral decision-making, we lay a strong foundation for our children’s spiritual growth. Through modeling a faith-filled life, engaging in meaningful conversations, utilizing Scripture, and incorporating faith into daily life, we can effectively teach our children about Jesus as Lord. While challenges may arise, relying on prayer, seeking guidance from God, and utilizing recommended resources can help us navigate these obstacles. With dedication and reliance on God’s grace, we can pass on the faith to our children, equipping them to understand and embrace Jesus as Lord in their lives.