Our purpose as parents is to nourish our children’s desire to become Young Christian Warriors. Christ provides a clear way to meet this goal. The world also offers a way, though the moral compass may not always point north, and is not ‘the way’. Teaching our children is the core of what Christian parents should do to help their children become Young Christian Warriors, and receive the respect they deserve. Our children must spend time daily learning the Word and practicing the characteristics and virtues identified in the Bible.
This study focuses on two scriptures that our children should learn to become the leaders God has defined them to become. These two scriptures also explain why adults should treat children with the respect God expects them to receive. Teaching our children Christ-like behavior will build them up to become respectful leaders.
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
God stores treasures in us before we are born. Some are able to use them with little instruction or effort, others need guidance; all children deserve to be respected for who they are in Christ, regardless of age, we are all under construction and strive to do better, none is perfect, except Christ.
Paul wrote:
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
My granddaughter often queries why adults do not listen to children as if they are non-persons until they reach adulthood. She believes that God speaks to children just like he speaks to adults and, children can discern just like adults. I believe there is truth to her thought. I have held conversations with children the caused me to query, who is inside this child. Children are thinkers, and children that are believers think like God. They demonstrate Philippians 4:8 and 1 Timothy 4:12 through their walk and interactions with others. Some, like my granddaughter, refuse to cut corners to complete an assignment, they will not skim the story when the instructions clearly stated to read the entire story before answering the questions, they stand by the child that is feeling sad or hurt, hold the door for adults, turn in items found on the playground, watch how they communicate with others, act in faith, and love their neighbor.
Are my granddaughter and other children perfect? No. They are children and will mature as they travel the developmental stages of childhood. The difference is their moral compass points to the north, so while they may veer from the path of righteousness, they know the difference between right and wrong. When they join friends (see September 25th Post, Ask Your Children, Who is a Friend?) or try things that are questionable, they will feel the tugging and hear the quiet voice that says STOP, this is not the path I have chosen for you.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
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- Teach them the two scriptures, one at a time
- Discuss the scriptures throughout the week and how they relate to your child’s day-to-day activities
- Every day ask them how they applied these scriptures throughout the day and to give examples
- Celebrate that they are becoming Young Christian Warriors
“Sound doctrine is not only right believing, but is right behavior.” The Complete Companion for Spirit-Filled Bible Study by Jack Hayford, General Editor, 1995. Our youth should not be looked down upon because they are young, they deserve respect as children of God, growing in his likeness.