3 Truths Every Child Should Know

No matter what your relationship looks like with your earthly father, you may still have some unresolved issues with your parents.

You could have the best relationship in the world, but something will always be lacking because your parents aren't God. 

For me, my dad was physically present, but it was my granddad who constantly affirmed who I am. He would tell me, “Son, don’t let pressure cause you to compromise your standards or the principles you’re living by.” When I was 16 years old, this wisdom saved my life. 

Rise Above Peer Pressure

One day in high school, I was invited to go cruising in a ‘56 Chevy. Just as I was about to sit down in the backseat, I saw three guys holding open containers of alcohol. Despite the peer pressure to stay, I got out of the car because I knew that was not where I needed to be. 

On my way home that night, I saw a burst of flames from a car that had gotten into a drag race, lost control, and hit an embankment. This accident caused all three riders to be thrown out. My friend Benny was killed in that accident. If I had stayed, I would have been sitting in the backseat next to him.

My granddad’s words echoed Jude 1:1, “I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.” This verse tells us we’re called, loved, and kept. And that’s something we need to teach our children. 

1. Help Your Children Understand Their CALLING

Colossians 1:16 tells us that we’re created by and for God. And because of this, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. 

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:16

In Christ, we find out who we are and what we’re living for. That calling comes with purpose and direction. No matter what kind of pressures we face, we’re called to live by principle, not coercion. 

In him, we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. 
Ephesians 1:11

By teaching God’s principles and calling, we’re protecting, guiding, blessing, and helping our kids. Our words echo over their lives, just like my grandpa’s did that day in high school. 

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments … So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 
Proverbs 3:1, 4

2. Help Your Children Know God’s LOVE

My dad always came to my football games, and one night, after a particularly good game, I ran to him so he could tell me, “Good game, son.” Instead, he pointed out the things I did wrong.

This is why dads need to learn to speak affirmation to their children—whether or not you had that example when you were growing up.

God Himself spoke affirmation over Jesus in Matthew 3:17 after Jesus was baptized. “And behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:17

The more we’re able to demonstrate God’s love, the more open our kids will be to copying that behavior. We can only do that by being rooted in Jesus Christ’s love. 

So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 
Ephesians 3:17-19

Until we understand God’s love for us, we can’t love our children fully. God is like the father in the Prodigal Son parable, who saw his rebellious son coming home from afar. He welcomed him back with open arms and a party. This is how God celebrates when we return to Him!

3. Help Your Children Know They are KEPT By Christ

Our kids need to know that they’re secure in Christ! This is something God constantly tells us in the Word. 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31

Called, Loved, Kept

Your anxiety flees when you remember: 

• You’re called
• You’re loved
• You’re kept

God is right there when you need Him. He’ll never leave nor forsake you. That’s why you can face anything that God has in front of you!

Today, do you need to run home to your Spiritual Father as the prodigal son did? Is something stopping you?

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