The Shepherd Press Blog

It’s Not Natural – part 2

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

It seems that there is actually one more post in this series of communicating the Gospel to your children. Heather, one of our readers, raised an important question about the last post. Here is her comment:

You mention that "Heather has been given only one option." Is it ever appropriate to offer a choice? For instance, "Honey, you can either give the train to your brother and find another toy, or you can play with the train with him." Or should these options be explained at a point when there is “not” a squabble going on (i.e. "here are some ways you can share and act kindly in the future")?

It’s Not Natural

For wisdom will enter your heart,
  and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:10

The wise in heart are called discerning,
  and pleasant words promote instruction. Proverbs 16:21

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise— that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Ephesians 6:1-3

This is the final post in this series about pleasant words and communicating the Gospel. I am also responding to comments left by Shannon and Ann. Thank you both for sending them.

In the last post I focused on the futility of attempting to reason with young children without first establishing the foundation of God’s authority. A child’s ultimate well being on planet Earth is directly connected to his attitude towards God’s authority. In other words, through repentance and faith in Christ, he must joyfully submit to God in every area of life.

Communicating the Gospel: God’s goodness to your young children

The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction.  — Proverbs 16:21

For wisdom will enter your heart, 
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. —Proverbs 2:10

If you have been following this series of posts on communicating the Gospel to your children, you will recall that we started the practical application by looking at teenagers and then working backwards. Now we are at the age of young children and toddlers, ages 0 to 5.

How do you communicate the goodness of God to these little ones? While there are several biblical themes that could be used I am focusing on two Proverbs, the ones listed at the beginning of this post. Remember the premise for this series:  If the knowledge of God is truly pleasant to your soul, your words should match that reality. The goal of your instruction to young children is to so honor God that your children will be receptive to your influence when they become teenagers.