5 Ways to Help Instill Faith in Your Children

There is no way that we, as parents, can make our children believe in God. Furthermore, there is no 1-2-3 method by which your children will automatically fit into a Christian mold or mindset. Instead, as the spiritual overseers of our children, we are charged with the responsibility of raising them in a way that will make it easier for them to take the path of faith.

There are, however, several practical things we can do and expect from our children that will help prepare their hearts to receive God's Word and way in their lives. Here are a few:

1. Show them by your life that God is real. Let your children see Jesus in you by living in a way which pleases God. Refuse to lie. Don't take part in sinful practices or philosophies. Have a loving, selfless spirit towards your children, your spouse, and everyone else. Give of yourself, your resources and your heart to others. Refuse to gossip. By living a consistently Godly life you will show your children what the life of faith is really about. Many children are turned off to their parents' faith because of their hypocrisy. For example, having a polite, friendly conversation with someone and then criticizing them the moment they leave your house will do much to turn your children away from faith.

2. Teach them to pray. Whether or not your children are old enough to truly understand prayer and embrace a life of prayer for themselves, teach them what it is to pray. The Bible is clear that young children are able to have faith that supersedes that of adults because of their simple, unquestioning way of thinking. Hone in on this wonderful quality by teaching them that they can trust and worship God through prayer. Talk about the needs of your family and pray with your children about them. Ask them to pray for meals occasionally, or for their friends. Make prayer a regular part of family life.

3. Integrate Biblical knowledge into daily life. When you tell your child to be kind to his sister, back it up with scripture. We taught our son Ephesians 4:32, "Be ye kind one to another..." When he is fights with her over a toy or gets frustrated and pushes her over, we talk about this verse. We have family Bible study throughout the week when we sit down and talk about the Bible. Furthermore, why not act out Bible stories such as Daniel in the Lion's Den, or David and Goliath with your kids? Teach them that the Bible is relevant.

4. Expose them to Christian families and environments. Help your child make Christian friends. Have a play group with other families from church, for example. Have Christian families over for dinner. Open your home to your Pastor or visiting missionaries. Make sure you take your family to church and that your children attend Sunday school. Children's minds are like sponges, make sure they are soaking up the right information!

5. Point out God's working in your lives. Did you have a financial need that God met just in time? Tell your kids about it. Was someone sick in your family, who got better after you prayed? Teach your children that these things are not a matter of chance or luck, but rather the direct result of prayer and trust in God.

No parenting pattern or structure will automatically train your children in Godliness. Instead, we must live consistent Christian lives in front of our children and pray for their spiritual sensitivity and awakening on a daily basis. These are only a few tips that will help you sow the Gospel into the hearts of your children, but if you consistently apply them, you will see your child develop an interest in the things of God.