Bible Verse: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1, Psalm 139:14, John 3:16, John 15:11, John 17:3
Many kids leave their faith (see yesterday); however, there are actually many things Christian parents have been doing right.
Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16 are among the first verses Christians teach kids.
This world and our lives are not an accident. God exists, and all things are created in love with a loving purpose. We need to keep teaching our kids who God is and who we are in Him.
From a young age, our kids will be marinating in messages about their identity, security, and purpose.
They’ll be tempted to find their deepest identity in their work, performance, friendships, race, and sexuality.
They’ll naturally seek security in familiarity, money, approval, comfort, and community.
They’ll battle with cultural messages about finding their “true” self, soulmate and perfect career.
Most of these things are essential parts of human life, but they aren’t foundational. They are also easily twisted (current cultural teaching on sexuality provides numerous examples).
God’s existence and our creation are foundational. Galaxies, quarks, and the quirks of human life exist by His design and desire. The sole limit to God’s power is God’s character and will.
This is who we worship and whose approval we seek.
We are made to become His children, walk with Him, and work with Him. He loves the world, and He loves us. The Father delights in us and sent His Son that we might know Him (John 17:3) and share His joy (John 15:11).
This is our foundational identity.
Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33b). Life is challenging and scary, so we need security. Good things like wealth, health, and community cannot give us the security Jesus offers. He promises life with Him forever in a world without sin, pain and death.
Finally, our kids need to know that God made them with a purpose. They’re made to know, love, and serve God and others. This is focused enough that anyone can do it, and grand enough that we can all spend our lives on it.
For millennia, these texts and truths have been among the first things Christian parents teach their kids. Let’s keep doing this.
Prayer: Lord, every one of us needs to understand better how great You are. We doubt our worth and wrestle with guilt, shame, and trusting Your purpose for our lives. Help us see them anew, and help our kids find them, too. We’re ready; put us to work, Father. Amen.
Reflection: Where in your life is our great Shepherd teaching you about His greatness and about our identity, security, and purpose in Him? Is there any way you can let a kid into that journey?
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