Guiding Children: Strong Guides for Every Child’s LifeSample

FAITH that lasts

97% of parents are satisfied with their child’s spiritual development, helping them see that they can be a light in this dark world. “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

Yet, 59% of young Christians disconnect either for an extended period of time or permanently from the Church after age 15. (You Lost Me, David Kinnaman). Trying to raise children in a time of rapid change is like trying to grab a knife. You can either grasp it by the handle and be in control so you can do something useful with it, or risk the consequences of getting nicked by the blade if you’re not ready or, worse, don’t even see it coming!

With change comes opportunity. And knowing how important family, Scripture engagement, church community, and strong connection (maybe even via technology) can be for the health and spiritual growth of the next generation, you can grab hold of this incredible opportunity to bring the Kingdom a little bit more on earth as it is in Heaven. 

The truth is that we all need wise guides at every level. It’s not just our children that need them, we as parents and leaders need them, the church even needs guides—especially tech-savvy specialists! And we all need the Bible as our ultimate guide. James 3:17 NLT puts it this way, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”

Imagine the collective influence we can have when Spirit-led parents and their churches partner together to help guide the faith of the next generation. The goodness of Christianity for individuals, families, and communities will be as evident as its truth.

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT).