What's in it For Them?
Lastly, show your kids what's in it for them. This is probably one of the most difficult things for many Christian parents. Often people are brought up to believe that faith is some kind of obligation you fulfill by attending church on Sunday. And let's face it, kids today aren't interested in obligations unless there is some kind of pay out at the end.Here are some great pay outs:
- When you give your life to Christ, you secure your place in heaven. What kid do you know that doesn't want something they don't have to earn, but rather is given to them as a gift?
- When God enters your life, you receive unconditional love. What a concept for a young person! Someone who will love and accept them as they are with no strings attached.
- Being a Christian means experiencing freedom. As you develop your relationship with Christ, you can be free from worry and anxiety, addictions, and so many other problems that seem to plague young people. When you do things God's way, you receive the benefits of that relationship.
- Having God's favor on your life is like unwrapping a gift every single day. God's favor is an amazing blessing that makes people want to be good to you for no apparent reason. What young person wouldn't want God's blessings in their life?
- Putting God first. This means making the commitment to seek God. This isn't an easy concept for kids. There's a lot of competition for first place in the life of a young person. But parents can help kids understand that God wants them to be happy and successful even more than they do. What a great thing for a young person to hear!
- Finding ways to be a blessing. Many kids are very self centered. The concept of "being a blessing" means taking the focus off them and onto someone else. This is best learned if they can see you living it. Include them in the process when you can. You'll be amazed at how good your kids will feel about themselves.
- Acting right on purpose. This means treating people with kindness, respect, and patience, even those that are hard to love. Even parents, brothers and sisters. Right behavior is Christianity in action.
Sharing your faith doesn't have to be complicated. Start by living it in your own life so your kids can see it in action. Demonstrate your commitment and the value you place in an ongoing relationship with God by finding ways to be a blessing. Kids learn best by example and modeling your faith is the best example they will ever see.
Also by Karen Wolff
• How to Hear from God• How to Share Your Faith
• How to Be Less Stressed and More Christian at Christmas
• Worship Through Relationship
Karen Wolff, a guest writer for About.com, is host to a Christian Web site for women. As founder of Christian-Books-for-Women.com, she wants to provide Christian women with a place to find practical information, tips, and help with a variety of issues they face every day. For more information visit Karen's Bio Page.
