At some point we have to take our training wheels off our faith and learn to navigate through life with a biblical worldview on our own. At times we rely on the faith of our parents to show us the way. But, at some point we need to own our faith. Sure, we will need to have those run beside us to help guide us, but then we must eventually launch on our own. We will most likely fall at times but will use them as defining moments of strengthing our faith.
The question then becomes how we as parents come to the point that we allow our children to take the training wheels off. I recognize that timing is very important in this matter. I think it is wiser for children to learn their own faith while still under our roof. Remember, when we learned to ride our bike, our parents still ran beside us for a while and allowed us the opportunity to learn balance. Then eventually we were on our own. College is a dangerous place to learn to own our faith. So much of the world can be found on college campuses.
So, how do we do this as parents and what does it look like? Comment and let me know your thoughts!
Blessings
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Blessings
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wiggs blogging! Watch out internet!
ReplyDeleteThat is a difficult question, but I'll take a stab at it. For me, I would say the best way for a parent to encourage their children to take ownership of their faith is through missions. Missions work reveals how selfish our heart is and the need for the gospel among the lost. Seeing poverty in comparison to the typical American teenager lifestyle can change ones perspective on what it means to believe. I would encourage parents to show their children they sacrifice some of their luxuries in order to aid the spread of the gospel. Tell all the kids you are making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner and giving the $40 bucks you would have spent going out Friday night to missions. Go on mission trips. Make sure you don't merely talk about it, but the kids see their parents making sacrifices for the gospel.
I have rambled on enough. Miss ya Wiggs, hope all is well out there at FBC Bureleson!
I agree!! Parents, take your teens on mission trips! Chris, I also agree that the optimal time for teens to take ownership of their faith is before they go to college. Most teens will not cooperate with this faith development timetable. :-) But those who do will be far better off than those who don't.
ReplyDeleteI agree--I think the key is for your children to see your (faith) works in action and join you. "Faith without works is dead." It's such a strong building block. Kids are sheltered in so many ways and they need to know and understand what the gospel is really about and see it lived out through us.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, by the way! :)