Nowadays my daughter at the age of six has the tendency to ask me very life changing questions. “Mom, how was the earth created?” “Will everybody eventually die?” “Mom, why can’t I see God?” “How can it be that Jesus rose from the death?” I noticed that I avoided giving her the straight answers to these questions due to her young age. If I would give her the straight answers I know that her response will be, “Mom, I don’t understand a thing you are saying.” Therefore I am waiting for my child to reach a certain age where she will be able to understand everything more clearly. But as time goes by I am doubting myself. I am doubting whether I have chosen the right approach to deal with her questions. I am wondering whether there are any guidelines to teach your children about the word of God? Read below about my attempt to give my daughter the right answers that are appropiate for her age.
Luke 18: 16-17 (CEB) says: People were bringing babies to Jesus so that he would bless them. When the disciples saw this, they scolded them. Then Jesus called them to him and said, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children. I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.”
1. Your ministry starts at your home
1 Timothy 3:5 (KJV): For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?
Your first place to minister is your own household. Make sure you show the love of God in your home. The way you steward your family is much more important than what you want for your children material wise. For example a newborn baby only needs his parents, food (the boob and/or bottle), clean diapers, clean clothes and a safe environment to grow up peacefully. In reality all other fancy stuff (such as a perfectly color coordinated nursery, a stroller worth two thousand euros, expensive high end shoes or a high tech bin for dirty diapers) are really not that relevant.
For my daughter at the age of six playing outside, going to the movies, reading, telling stories, watching her doing crazy tricks, swimming, dancing, singing, playdates, skates, sleepovers at her grandparents and cuddling mean the most to her right now. Therefore I need to make sure to pay attention to the things she loves. By doing so I am able to incorporate biblical principles into our daily activities such as thankfulness, taking care of others, celebrating Christian holidays and reading a children’s Bible story before bed.
Deuteronomy 11:19-21 (AMP) – “You shall teach them [diligently] to your children [impressing God’s percepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths], speaking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.”
This word teaches me that we should acknowledge God in all our ways, especially when ministering in our own home.
2. Play some music
Around our house and on my phone I always listen to gospel music. Gospel means ‘good news’. This music gets me excited and in the mood to hit my goals for the day. And one important thing I noticed about my daughter is that she also likes gospel music. She knows the songs I play on repeat. She says she wants to get dance classes and be a singer one day. I truly believe that my child picked up the joyful spirit that comes along with the right kind of positive music: gospel. She also learned a few of my dance moves. For those who don’t know, I use to be a dancer and I still love to dance.
3. Children’s bible
Lastly, I recently bought a beautiful children’s Bible for my daughter to read. I don’t have any fond experience with the Bible growing up so I’m trying to figure out how to get her involved with the word of God. This book is a true treasure. It stands out from the rest of her book collection due to the most amazing illustrations. She loves her own bible and is even more interested in the word of God. Unfortunately this leads to even more tough questions for me to answer (LOL, the irony).
Next to a children’s bible a great way to get children actively seeking God is through bible school. At church you often get the opportunity to drop your children off at bible school so that you as a parent get a chance to attend the church service. A child gets the chance to be creative and interact with other children concerning the word of God. At bible school the children dance, sing, shout and make art based on biblical stories. This is great because this way you really get down to their level: playfully and joyfully praising the Lord our God.
Here you find 12 great book TIPs for children from age zero to twelve:
- When God Made You (age 3-7) Every child is born with unique gifts that need to be celebrated and achknowledge. With this book you get a chance to familiarize your child with their own unique creation.
- When I Pray For You (age 3-7) This book starts with a beautiful prayer that you can teach your children. This is a wonderful way to get your child to know more about the power of prayer.
- When God Made Light (age 3-7) I just love the illustrations of David Catrow. He also is the illustrator of the books mentioned above ‘When God Made You’ and ‘When I Pray For You’. ‘When God Made Light’ starts with the creation of the earth and with that creation we were created. We are all part of His plan from the beginning.
- Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids about God and Science (age 6-10) Children are amazed by the world around them and it is very important to let them know that it is God showing us how magnificent He is. He created the universe, from the animals to the stars. His work is visible for everybody to witness at every corner.
- Bible Infographics for Kids: Giants, Ninja Skills, a Talking Donkey, and What’s the Deal with the Tabernacle? (age 9-12) This book gets down to the level of children by using everyday tools and examples to bring Bible stories alive.
- I Will Follow Jesus Bible Storybook (age 4-8) The Old and the New Testament are covered in this book with great illustrations.
- The Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories (age 5-6) The artwork in this book is vibrant and already sold over 50 millions copies. This book would also serve as a great gift for nephews and nieces.
- Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible (age 4-8) With 150 Bible stories organized in 13 themes this book can be the answer to the difficult questions your children have.
- The Big Picture Interactive Bible Stories for Toddlers New Testament: Connecting Christ Throughout God’s Story (age 0-4) For children of a young age simple illusrations work the best. This book also comes with an app which brings the pictures even more to life.
- God Speaks in Whispers (age 3-7) Only those who listen very carefully are able to hear God’s voice. When you listen closely you will hear the most amazing things!
- God Bless You & Good Night (age 0-4) Another great title for babies and toddlers to bring them to bed with the word of God. Bedtime rituals don’t get any better that this.
- God Gave Us You (age 0-3) This book is part of the serie God Gave Us. This serie is made to boost the self-esteem of your children. They must know that they are loved and that we honour and respect them. We expect them to treat others the same.
Raising up the next generation is a task we all learn at the job and I could definitely use some help in this area. So, if you have any suggestions on raising up a child and the word of God, please feel free to comment below.