Losing a Generation Research shows that 90 percent of born-again kids today are rejecting the absolute truth their parents embrace. Josh McDowell explains, “You can be the greatest explainer of truth. But if the very heart of your son or daughter does not believe, ‘My daddy loves me,’ [he or she] will walk away from your truth.” McDowell believes children will embrace the truth taught by their parents only if it’s given to them through a loving heart-to-heart relationship.
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1. Invite them along. Include your kids in what you’re doing. Be sure those Home Depot runs include helpers who get M&Ms at the checkout. Develop in them an appetite to tag along with you.
Even if it’s never verbalized, little children look to their parents to find the answers to their heart questions:
Daddy, who am I? Am I accepted? Do you love me unconditionally? Do I have what it takes? And parents too often give wrong answers to those questions without realizing it. Nobody has time for you, little one. We’re busy with things that are important. You are not. Go bother somebody else.
How many times do our lives unintentionally shout these messages to them? Not only do these negative messages impact their value of themselves, but tragically these messages impact their view of God. If Daddy doesn’t think I’m important, they conclude, my Heavenly Father must not either. Like it or not, we are daily representing an image of God to our kids. They need us to carve out extra time for them so we can represent Him well.
2. Single them out. Every child needs one-on-one time with each parent. Spontaneously show up where your child is, and take him out to lunch. Kids never forget such surprises! A day fishing with Dad while everyone else is in school is unbelievably cool. (Be sure to talk to teachers in advance.)
3. Give them grace gifts. Teach kids a healthy work ethic — hard work equals positive reward. But show them that grace gives things that are unearned and undeserved. Buying your kids an occasional surprise “just because I love you!” is a fun way to model grace and a powerful declaration that hits them right in the heart.
Opportunity knocks
Throw the brakes on busyness to spend more time with your kids. Embark on a journey to win, keep, and mentor the little hearts in your home. Obey God’s commands and plant His love in the hearts and minds of the children He has blessed you with.
Don’t wait. With all the wisdom of a child, Grant’s words are a monumental reminder that it’s already tomorrow.
Loving God with everything you are is the pinnacle of God’s law. Parents must daily hang out with their children so they can diligently teach them how to do that. Did you know you’re commanded by God to continually teach your child how to love Him wholeheartedly? This happens in a variety of ways: morning hugs, breakfast laughter, car catch-me-ups, bedtime tales, and tuck-me-in prayers.
a Whole lot of love Get to the heart of parenting
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