Spiritual Development
To be a Christian family can certainly be a challenge in our world. So what are the strategies that we need to ensure our children will develop spiritually?
I have asked this question repeatedly: How do I train children in the way they should go, especially when it comes to their spiritual development?
A Christian friend of mine, Leon Kotze, who has been in children’s ministry for the last 16 years, gave me these IMPACTER principles on which he ministers to the children in his care.
The IMPACTER principles! An IMPACTER will have a direct, powerful, effective, influential impression on others.
8.1 Introduce your child to Jesus.
John 1:12 MKJV “But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name, …”
Salvation must come before any meaningful Bible learning or life application can take place. Let’s believe for their salvation. In general, children can receive Him as soon as they begin to learn the difference between right and wrong. Children usually will make several decisions and responses to the gospel message — it’s normal. Some kids may follow what their friends are doing rather than making a personal decision. When that happens, take time to explain to them again what it is you’re asking them to do. Trust God to work in the child’s heart. It is important to reach children with the Gospel. We know that sin has a devastating effect on mankind. Sin destroys relationships, physical and emotional health and a person’s feeling of self-worth.
It is important to realise that a child need not understand all the detailed theological ramifications of the Gospel to be saved. The scriptural requirement for salvation can be found in Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The prerequisite for nurturing faith in children is that parents and teachers must love God and love His word. It is almost impossible to teach something you have not experienced. A healthy love and fear of God is more easily cultivated in children that have a healthy love and fear of their parents. It is very difficult for children to learn to honour God if they defy their parents and resist their authority
The practical application of this advice would be: give your children early opportunities to receive Christ; teach them the Gospel. This is best done when they see you living your faith.