Insights

Faith is defined for us as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
What happens when our children deny the faith? One of the most difficult conversations to listen to is the heartbreak of parents that have had a child being in rebellion and walk away from God whether it be in lifestyle, deconstruction, or a slow apathy towards a relationship with God. When a child denies faith in God, we are not without hope, faith, or love.

The relationship the Lord has with your child is not based on our works. Can we raise them in the way they should go? Yes. Can we fill them with the knowledge of the Lord? Yes. Can we raise them in a household that is faithful and loving? Yes, we should! Even if we do all the right things, the relationship that our children have with Jesus will always be their own.

Often children who have walked away from faith will return and their faith even stronger and more rooted in the Word. And even more zealous than before! That is our hope. They have to question and define what it means to follow Christ for themselves. Hopefully, you have shared the truth and displayed the way of repentance, redemption and  grace.

What to do while we wait?

Pray. Never stop praying for them! I take great hope in Philippians 1:6, “...that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The Lord is not giving up on them and will continue his work with your child. Remember God loves your child with the most perfect love.

Model. Your relationship with Christ matters. Model what it means to love the Lord with all your heart , with all your mind, with all your strength. Our children are important to us, but the Lord comes first and we are obedient to Him. Let your life reflect what it means to be an authentic disciple of Christ.

Serve. Serve others with joy. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength as you serve the Lord. Serve within a  community. Often other believers and how they serve is a great testimony to unbelievers. Be consistent and faithful in meeting together with other believers. They can encourage you and lift your child up in prayer too. I have always been thankful to the men and women who spoke into my own children’s faith when they were not inclined to listen to me.

Share. When we share how God is working, there is a connotation of kindness and not defensiveness or argumentativeness. Taking a stance to share the goodness of God and being willing and open to sharing the Word is a different attitude than wanting to argue and defend certain points. Often active listening and coaching techniques are more useful than lectures and arguments in helping children come to an understanding of the gospel message.

One thing that brings me hope is that the most perfect Father, the good  good Father, the wisest Father.. God  has children that have rebelled, turned away, rejected,and despised Him yet He hasn’t given up on them. He runs to them as the prodigal father did with open arms. We are not without hope. His love remains and He is faithful.

Leah Rabb
Elementary Education Principal
Logos Preparatory Academy