The Legacy Principle
The scriptures tell us that what we do today directly influences the multi-generational cycle of family traits, beliefs, and actions – for good or bad. (Exodus 20:5-6, Psalm 78:5-8). Passing a strong faith to our children begins by having a strong faith ourselves, modeling the gospel in our marriages and in how we relate to those closest to us. Some of us need to break negative cycles that may have started with our own upbringing to launch a new, improved legacy for the next generation.
The Likelihood Principle
The good news is that in the context of healthy relationships, children tend to embrace the values of their parents. Proverbs 22:6 tells us that when children learn right from wrong at home under the nurturing, loving training of parents, they tend to adopt mom and dad’s beliefs. While there are no guarantees because every child has a free will, kids are far more likely to embrace their parent’s faith if they enjoy their parent’s company! This is a big part of the reason the Bible warns parents not to “provoke your children to wrath” but rather “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Bottom line – a strong relationship with mom and dad is key to a strong Christian faith.
The Lenses Principle
Jesus taught that our enemy’s primary weapon is deception – getting us to believe and live according to lies rather than truth (John 8:44). When someone is deceived, he or she doesn’t know it! Our children are growing up in a culture that often bombards them with lies. An hour or two per week at church is no match for the hundreds of hours spent with media, school, and friends. It cannot compete with a child’s fallen nature that often wants to rebel against what is good, true, and beautiful. It is the job of parents to equip children with the corrective “lenses” of truth so they can better navigate the deceptive roads of life.
The Learning Principle
Our children can only learn what we teach them in a manner that will reach them. In other words, we need to vary our approach based upon their unique personality, learning style, and most importantly, stage of development. Children fall into one of three stages that should guide the methods we choose for discussing our faith and values at home.
THE IMPRINT PERIOD: Toddler to About Age Seven
Small children are all ears. They will believe it because mom or dad said it, much like a baby gosling that imprints itself onto its mother and follows it wherever she leads. Young children soak in what we tell them – so this is an ideal season for teaching them basic Bible stories, memorization, and other building block truths of Christianity.
THE IMPRESSION PERIOD: About Age Eight to Early Teen
During this season, children no longer accept what we say at face value. They may question us, push back, or even argue. During this season, children need to know what we believe. They also need help understanding the rationale behind those beliefs. While more work, this is a positive part of their faith development because it means they have grown past blind acceptance and are ready for deeper understanding. Take opportunities to have faith conversations and to weave holy habits into the fabric of your home (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
THE COACHING PERIOD: Early Teen to Young Adult
Our job changes when the kids enter the coaching period. We can motivate, encourage, challenge, and advise. We can’t force feed. We can help them clearly articulate what they believe, challenge their thinking, remind them of the “basics” learned during the “practices” of the imprint and impression years. We can provide a safe environment for our teen to wrestle with, even question, the values they’ve learned. Maintaining strong relationship and frequent dialogue are the key to your influence now.
Understanding the different stages of development can help parents become intentional about creating and capturing opportunities to nurture the roots of faith in their children.
