It’s the dreaded day.
Halloween. It’s a day in a Christian’s life where you may feel torn. Do I let my child dress up and get candy, or don’t I? Am I endorsing a day that I don’t agree with, or do I use it as an evangelistic opportunity? What did we do? We let our kids dress up, but they couldn’t dress up like ghosts, monsters, or witches. But, the great part about the evening was ALL the kids that come to your door wanting candy. Let me caution you. If you only hand out tracts, you’ll be known as one of “those” families. But, if you give them something profound, that opens huge doors. The American Tract Society has a great assortment of tracts. But, sometimes just a word of Scripture as they leave can have just as much impact.
Do your kids listen in church?
A lot of kids have a hard time sitting through church. Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had enough. She said, “You’re not supposed to talk out loud in church.” Joel asked, “Why? Who’s going to stop me?” Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, “See those guys standing by the door? They’re hushers.” It’s hard getting kids to listen in church, but giving kids things to do can help. Depending on the age, you can encourage them to write down all the Bible verses they hear. Or encourage them to write down questions they have when they don’t understand something.
Selfishness. It’s in every family.
Kids are funny, aren’t they? A mother was making pancakes for her sons, five-year-old Kevin and three-year-old Ryan. The boys began to argue over who was going to get the first one. Their mom saw this as an opportunity to teach them something. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.’ ” Well, Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, why don’t YOU be Jesus?” Isn’t that funny? When our kids are fighting or arguing about everyday things, we need to use these moments to teach them something. That’s what Jesus did. If they’re being mean, encourage them to treat each other as they would want to be treated. If they’re being selfish, teach them how Jesus was selfless. Life isn’t always easy, but there are always lessons to be learned.
What did you say?
Are your kids using language that your mom would wash out of your mouth with soap? (I know—even THAT is something our society thinks is child abuse.) I’m finding words we would NEVER use in church when I was a kid are words commonly used today. Why is that? Why are kids becoming more and more crude in their conversation? I’d suggest the reason their vocabulary is so bad is because, well, OUR vocabulary isn’t much better. The Bible tells us not to let any bad speech come from our mouths except for that which builds people up, giving grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29). When our kids use those “Christian” swear words, don’t be afraid to correct them. It could lead to unwholesome talk as they get older.
Mom and Dad, this is how God made me
Yesterday, I gave you some suggestions about how to respond to your son or daughter who tells you they’re gay. Love first. Then, ask them not to define themselves that way if they’re just having thoughts. And talk to them about what the Bible says about it. But, if they’ve already acted on this and they say, “I’m a homosexual. And that’s the just way it is, and I don’t care what God says”—well, then all you have is love because heart change is needed. Only God can make that happen. Until God convicts them of their sin, it won’t matter what they think of our convictions. “Love is … what drove the prodigal son back to … his father; it’s probably what’s going to drive your son or daughter back, too. Based on “How should Christian parents respond if one of their children comes out as gay?”, GotQuestions.org.
Mom and Dad, I’m gay.
There are a number of parents, Christians and not, who have been shocked by these words. Someone asks, “As a Christian, what should I say?” The first thing is to make SURE they know you love them. 1 John 4:8 says, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (NASB). Also, Romans 2:4 tells us, “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (NIV). It’s important “to remember that our children … have heart issues,” just like we do. Encourage them not to define themselves as gay. Just because they have same-sex thoughts or attractions doesn’t make them a homosexual—as Christians, we’re new creations. Don’t shy away from the fact that God says it’s sin, but always use Scripture for your source of authority. More tomorrow. Based on “How should Christian parents respond if one of their children comes out as gay?”, GotQuestions.org. Scripture marked (NASB) is taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
How valuable are your children to you, really?
A cartoon showed two women in business suits—briefcase in hand, waiting for the bus. One said to the other: “Better the rat race than the brat race.” This says it all, doesn’t it? Better to chase dollars than change diapers. Really? Better to shape corporate culture than your child’s character? I know there are a lot of families where both parents have to work, or you’re a single mom. Research says that’s not always easy, but it’s reality. My caution to you is to make quality time for your kids. Money and possessions won’t follow us to heaven. But our children can. In any situation, it’s up to the Holy Spirit, but, if we’re pointing them to Christ at every turn, that training will have lasting impact.
The ring before the ring
You’ve heard of purity rings, right? They’re the rings that young girls wear as a symbol that they’re going to stay physically pure prior to marriage. We gave one to each of our three daughters, after my wife helped them understand the reason for dating and set guidelines for such (only when they’re thirty, right?). But the main rule was, if a boy was interested, he had to ask me first. Those who chose to do it were scared. But it showed me how serious they were, and it showed them how serious I was. It helped them understand that I was trusting my treasured daughter with them and they needed to protect her. This told my daughter how much I cared. It told the boys to keep their hands to themselves.
Rides to school can be memorable!
Looking for ways to make a memory? One of our listeners told me she plays the audio of the Keys for Kids devotional through our app for her two elementary-aged kids on their way to school each morning. When it’s over, they talk about it. One morning, her daughter gave her heart to Christ. What a memory that is for that family! God can use these moments together to provide a foundation for a child’s spiritual development. Whether you use our devotional or someone else’s, make sure you’re spending time in God’s Word with your kids each day. God is allowing us to care for the kids He created. Make sure you’re talking about Him each day. And as you do, pray the Holy Spirit moves their hearts to follow Christ. Get the Keys for Kids app: https://keysforkids.org/app Get the teen Unlocked app: https://unlocked.org/app
Encouraging creativity
A mom recently asked me, “How do I support my kids’ creativity versus squelching it by being realistic?” That’s a great question. I find this question is answered differently by different kinds of parents. Here are five things you can do to help your kids be more creative.1 1. Looks for gifts and tap into them. 2. “Foster [their] interests.” Find programs or books that can help them learn more about their interests. 3. “Offer inspiration.” Go to museums, baseball games, or the theater. 4. “Provide encouragement” by complimenting them or posting their work. 5. “Get creative” yourself. Post your parenting questions at our website, https://parentminute.org/ 1Based on “5 Ways Parents Can Encourage Creative Talents in Their Kids” by Lori Garcia, Babble.com