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Teaching Children About God
  
        It is an understatement to say that as parents we wear a variety of hats.  On any given day our children expect us to be fashion coordinators, short order chefs, judges, nurses, mediators - the list goes on and on.  Perhaps though one of our most important roles in our children’s lives is that of teacher. We are of course the first teachers our children encounter. We teach them how to walk, talk, feed themselves, tie their shoes, and countless other tasks that are vital to their development.   As they grow up and begin their quest for education we encourage our children to do their best in school.  We assist them with their homework, help them with projects, and quiz them the night before a test.   These are all important ways in which we can help them succeed in school.  Certainly we should spend time with our children helping them learn math, language skills, science, music, and history. I challenge you however, to make sure you also spend time teaching your children about God.  While school subjects are important in the here and now, helping our children develop an understanding of and a love for God has immeasurable eternal benefits.
       It is difficult to explain certain theological truths to young children. However, there are several basic facts about God that we can teach our children which will help them build a foundation of understanding. God tells us in countless passages of scripture that He loves us.  I think this is the most important aspect of God’s character to share with children.  Because God’s love for us is the basis of our Christian faith, it is necessary that children understand that God loves them.  Matthew chapter 10 is a beautiful account of  the extent to which God loves and cares for each one of us.  While human love is tainted with imperfection, God’s love is pure.  As often as you tell your children how much you love them, remind them that God loves them too.
       Another truth that is important to teach children is that God created each one of them in a special way and that He has a plan for their lives.  God told Jeremiah “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you...”. Just as God had a plan for Jeremiah’s life, so too does He have a special plan for each child He creates. 
       Lastly, teach your children to pray. I think that the prayers of children are probably some of the sweetest sounds that fall of God’s ever listening ears. Whether we are feeling low or full of joy, God is always there ready to hear us when we call. Help your children understand that comforting truth. Remind them that wherever they are, God is there with them and He is always anxious to hear from them.
       Teaching our children about God is both a privilege as well as an enormous responsibility. The importance that we place on the things of God will have eternal effects on our children. As with other behaviors we want our children to learn, we must be their examples.  Read the Bible with your children.  Let them see you reading your Bible. Pray with your children and make church attendance a priority for your entire family. Dropping your children off at church for them to attend Sunday School or a worship service sends a confusing message. They need us by their side teaching them, guiding them, and supporting them as they develop a relationship with God.  Hopefully if they see that we give top priority to the things of God they will do likewise.
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