The Key to Instilling a Love for God in Your Children

“It's way easier for you than for me. You're a homeschool mom, so you're with your children more and have curriculum to tell you what to do.”

 

 

As Christian moms we want to instill a love for God in our children. We know that life will go much easier if they know how much God loves them and if they, in turn, love God and desire to follow after Him.

The problem is that we often feel lacking in how to teach our children about God and about living a life of faith. I know this is true because I spent over ten years as a pastor's wife.

Others have this perception about pastors and their families: We are spotless and super-human. The whole family must automatically have a seminary degree and a special “in” with God. Pastor's wives must surely have an instinctual ability to teach our children about God, and our children automatically drink it all in and receive it as their own. (Never mind that stereotype about pastor's kids being the ones always in trouble.)

I have heard other moms tell me these things so many times over the years! (And yes, those words above are actual quotes from women in my life, directed at me.) But here's the rub…

I'm not perfect.

I'm not Super Christian because I'm a pastor's wife or because I home educate.

I'm just a regular mom. One who sins just like everyone else. I don't have all the answers. I need God to help me just the same as you need Him to help you. Daily.

One thing I know for sure is that God uses regular moms like us all the time. He uses us to teach our children about the love of Christ. He uses us to speak volumes of His love to our children's hearts. He uses us to show our children how to follow after Him.

You CAN instill a love for God in your children.

I know your next question. “How?!”

I am about to tell you the key to instilling a love for God in your children, but it's not a formula or 10-step program to follow.

We would all love a simple, sure-fire answer. We would love to have that one simple step to ensure that our children will grow up loving God, walking with Him, and live a life full of blessings as they follow Jesus.

But that one solution doesn't really exist. I know. Bummer.

However, there is one thing we can do as moms to guarantee success in the area of instilling a love for God in our kids. Well, as close to a guarantee as you really can get.

Ready?

The Key to Instilling a Love for God in Your Children…

Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

You, Mom. You need to love God for all you're worth. And do it in front of your children.

Let them see you pray. Let them see you read the Bible. Let them see the daily struggle for time alone with God.

This does not mean you need to be–or will be–the perfect Christian. It just means that you are inviting them in to your real life of faith. They're part of it anyway, so why not just be brutally honest and really let them see your failures, struggles, successes, and love?

Your real life is going to speak many more volumes to your kids than your words will. Why not let your actions speak volumes in this most important area of all? Invite them into the Real Christian Walk of Faith.

• Pray together.
• Ponder Scripture together–even when you have more questions than answers yourself.
• Sing together.
• Serve together.
• Worship together.

There is no need to keep your children at arm's length from your faith failures. Those real moments are often the moments that draw people to the kindness of God.

Take the leap. I guarantee you won't regret sharing this walk with your children. It's rich. It's beautiful. It's faith-building…for you and for them.

The key to instilling a love for God in your children really is the most simple one of all: Love God and walk the life of faith with your children right beside you.