Parents want the best for their children whether it is for material things, or more importantly, how they will spend eternity. Anyone who takes heaven or hell seriously would want to demonstrate their concern for loved ones. However, it is far too easy to take things for granted that our children will become Christians as soon they know the difference between right and wrong. Conversely, we can assume that their second birth in Christ will be facilitated by Sunday School teachers or youth ministers. To accept our responsibility as parents, we must examine what details that means.
We must admit that there is confusion among parents and child workers for how to guide the children. Perhaps this is because they have a misunderstanding of the conversion process. It is sad to say that many people have an inadequate handle on theology. This is further complicated if the parent has not become a Christian. We must differentiate between being a church member and a relationship with Christ. This will include an inadequate response to a child who says he loves Jesus. Such a confession cannot be confused with genuine recognition of personal sin. Conversion is not a simple matter of answering a few select questions that sound religious or biblical.
The primary responsibility for the child’s spiritual development is not for outside groups but for parents themselves. In the same way a child must eat healthy food at the insistence of parents, so is spiritual food a primary concern in the family. They take the child to the doctor when needed. Certainly, exposing a child to spiritual living is even more important. We cannot take a stand that when a child is older, he can make decisions for himself about church and religion. That’s just a scapegoat excuse for parenting.
Many children joined the church thinking that it is conversion. It is likely the children also misinterpret emotional or inner experiences as conversion. There is no set age in the field of child development or mention in the Bible when children reach the age of accountability to know the difference between right and wrong. Every person develops at their own pace. Eventually, you will be faced with questions about God and heaven.
Remember that the Holy Spirit does his work in the conversion process for every individual. We must respect the child’s capability. We cannot water down the gospel message. At the same time, we cannot use words and phrases that are beyond the child’s understanding. Also, we must be careful in our eagerness not to pressure children. As part of a child’s spiritual growth toward conversion, they must deal with the concept of right and wrong, the idea of personal liability, for divine forgiveness, and the concept of death. It is important to be sure that your child does not confuse baptism with salvation.
One of the first signs a child is growing emotionally and spiritually is they ask questions. This child needs information to process in their development. Your child may suddenly give the appearance of maturity beyond their years. Some child workers report that the child has fears in daylight time or sleep time. As parents we must talk directly with our children about their feelings and what they have been considering. To accept Christ is the child’s decision with parent support and not pressure. Translate church language to concepts a child can receive. Avoid leading the child to say what you want them to say. Encourage your child to relate to you and match his ideas and not yours. Under no circumstance offer any type of reward that your child could interpret as coercion.
When your child has accepted Christ as Savior give a natural and calm response that reflects the proper value of what has happened. Afterwards your child will have more questions to which you must be available. Do not criticize how the child seeks or expresses his experience. Be in routine prayer for your child.
Christian Writer 