At times we forget the plan that our Father has. We must remember and connect with the destiny of our future generations.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
It is important to lead our children to have a true relationship with God, a real and genuine friendship that gives them a solid foundation to grow with principles of love, mercy, and truth in their hearts.
This is a task that will only be complete if parents get involved by presenting a model for children where prayer, searching and reading the word is present because let's not forget that children who learn to pray from an early age can develop a powerful and much more effective life of prayer.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
Most parents strive to be good providers, but God wants parents to provide much more than the basic needs of physical life.
He desires that we also be able to provide the spiritual nourishment that is required to lead a righteous life, which will result in eternal life.
“Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4:40
We are aware of the great treasure that our children are and the potential they represent. We have a priceless opportunity to cultivate love for God in them.
Home is the most powerful influence for developing positive emotional and spiritual growth. Caring for the environment is priceless, and let's not forget that in investing time and energy we will harvest tremendous benefits.
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15
Much of what a child learns is assimilated rather than learned. The reflection of our faith in God is an enduring image that will form the concept of God in our child.
Therefore, if our Faith is founded on a list of rules and obligations and does not lack vitality in our spiritual life, we will know that what our child should see in us is a deep dependence on God and his consistent expressions in our relationships with others and our daily choices.
“He who does not provide for his own, and especially for his own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
The child's world is the here and now and is part of everything he or she sees and knows. The way he understands things is literal and concrete. Words and phrases in the Bible that are symbols or metaphors have little meaning for children.
For example, "in my heart I have kept your sayings" may make sense and be important to adults but not to children. Let us then use simple and concrete words and phrases when we speak and sing to God to help children in their spiritual life.
“Look what great love the Father has given us, that we are called children of God! And we are! The world does not know us, precisely because it did not know Him. ” John 3:1
Let us then recognize and take advantage of natural opportunities to tell our children about God. Everyday experiences bring many opportunities to pass on faith to a child. Responding to a child's questions or ideas can lead the conversation to God.
Phrases like "Let's ask God to help us find our way home" represent moments that we can teach and that can have a spiritual significance for a child.