As followers of Jesus, we are instructed to teach our children the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), trusting they will not stray from the way when they grow up.
Our part is to train our children in the ways of God. God’s part is to lead and guide them on that path, perhaps even bring them back if they do go astray.
We live in a culture increasingly hostile to the gospel. We are in a war over basic truth and fact, all symptoms of the hostility to the Good News of Jesus.
As groups and the media continue to hold on to delusions, Christian parents must be discerning and wise when it comes to protecting their children from the lies of the culture around us.
But how can we do this? Here are five ways to protect your kids from secular culture.
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1. Biblical Education
Engaging in Bible study with children is a rewarding endeavor that nurtures their spiritual growth and understanding of God’s Word. To begin with, and true for each following point, parents must model a love for God’s Word with their own study and life.
Select Bible study materials tailored to the age and comprehension level of your children. There are numerous resources, including children's Bibles, devotionals, and interactive study guides designed to capture their interest.
These materials should use illustrations, maps, hands-on activities, and multimedia resources to help the stories come alive.
Next, designate a comfortable and quiet space for Bible study. Foster an environment where questions are welcomed and encouraged to start interactive discussions. Relate the biblical narratives to real-life situations and everyday challenges.
Encourage Scripture memorization and discuss ways to apply the verses in their lives. This helps internalize the teachings and promotes practical application.
Acknowledge and celebrate milestones in their understanding of Scripture, whether it's memorizing a verse or grasping a complex concept. Positive reinforcement fosters a love for Bible study.
Make a schedule, make it a priority, and stick to it. If you miss a day, there’s grace, but consistency helps build a habit and reinforces the importance of prioritizing time with God.
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2. Prayer and Worship as a Family
Establishing a culture of prayer and worship at home creates a sacred space for family bonding and spiritual growth.
Just with the Bible study, set aside a specific area in your home for prayer and worship. Also, develop a regular, reasonable schedule for consistency.
Commence your sessions with expressions of gratitude. Encourage each family member to share what they are thankful for, fostering a spirit of appreciation.
Allow each family member to voice personal prayers. Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their concerns, joys, and desires with God. Pray out loud for one another.
Integrate music into your worship time. Sing hymns or contemporary worship songs that resonate with the family.
Make prayer and worship interactive. Involve family members in activities like creating a prayer board, drawing illustrations related to the scriptures, or even acting out biblical stories.
Rotate the responsibility of leading prayer and worship among family members. This not only provides a sense of inclusivity but also allows everyone to contribute to the spiritual atmosphere.
Be open to spontaneous moments of prayer and worship. If someone is inspired to share a prayer or a spontaneous song, let the spirit of the moment guide your time together.
Celebrate answered prayers and family milestones during your worship time. Conclude your family worship time with a spoken blessing.
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3. Faith-Filled Church Community
Fostering a faith-filled church community for your children involves intentional efforts to cultivate a foundation of spiritual growth and connection.
Attend church services that cater to families. Look for child-friendly worship experiences and age-appropriate programs that engage and nurture your children's faith.
Join family ministries or activities specifically designed for parents and children. These events provide opportunities for shared learning, fellowship, and the building of connections with other families.
Establish family traditions around church involvement. This could include pre-service prayers, post-service discussions, or regular family reflections on the day's teachings.
Encourage your children to build relationships with their peers in the church community. Facilitate playdates, attend youth group outings, and support their involvement in church-related social activities.
Build a network of supportive families within the church community. Cultivate friendships that extend beyond the church walls, providing mutual encouragement and shared experiences in navigating faith and parenting.
Participate in outreach and service projects as a family. Engaging in acts of kindness and service reinforces the importance of living out faith through practical actions.
Initiate open conversations with your children about church services and the church community, asking them questions and talking through what everyone has learned.
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4. Discussions Developing Critical Thinking
One way or another, children will begin to deal with secular culture, hearing and experiencing beliefs counter to the ways of God.
Parents must develop a family culture where they discuss these statements and beliefs as a family to apply what’s been learned about the Bible and truth from family and church environments.
Establish an environment where your children feel safe expressing their thoughts and asking questions about faith from various and diverse perspectives. Encourage an open dialogue without fear of judgment.
Encourage curiosity and critical thinking by asking open-ended questions that stimulate discussion. Encourage your children to share their opinions, feelings, and reflections on various aspects of faith.
Incorporate discussions about faith into everyday situations. Whether it's during a family meal, a walk, or bedtime, use these moments as opportunities for casual and meaningful conversations.
Share your own faith journey and personal experiences. Vulnerability in sharing your own struggles, doubts, and moments of growth can inspire your children to do the same.
Pose moral and ethical dilemmas for discussion. Engaging with real-world scenarios allows your children to apply their faith principles to practical situations, fostering a sense of ethical decision-making.
Address the intersection of science and faith, discussing how these realms can coexist and complement each other.
Introduce age-appropriate apologetics to address common questions and challenges to the faith. Equip your children with reasoned responses that strengthen their convictions. Periodically revisit and reassess previous discussions.
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5. Use Christian Alternatives
Intentionally incorporating Christian alternatives into your children’s lives offers a proactive approach to navigating and mitigating the influences of secular culture. More and more Christian-friendly platforms are being added every day in various industries.
Choose Christian alternatives in media consumption. Choose age-appropriate Christian movies, TV shows, and music that convey positive values and biblical principles. This not only provides wholesome entertainment but also reinforces Christian teachings.
Explore Christian educational resources and curricula for homeschooling or supplementing your children's education.
Incorporating materials that integrate faith into academic subjects fosters a holistic Christian worldview. This could extend to enrolling your children in Christian schools or participating in homeschooling groups with a Christian focus.
Select Christian literature for your children. Whether it's bedtime stories, novels, comic books, or educational materials, exposing them to literature with Christian values contributes to their moral and spiritual development.
With the rise of video games and devices, incorporate Christian apps and games that provide an interactive and faith-focused digital experience. These tools can reinforce biblical teachings in a format that resonates with today's tech-savvy generation.
Align extracurricular activities with Christian values. Whether it’s sports, arts, or community service, choose activities that reinforce positive character traits and foster a sense of service and compassion.
Some families establish a family covenant that outlines shared values, expectations, and commitments to Christian principles. This serves as a collective reminder and guide for the entire family. Discuss as a family why choices are made.
In all things, Christian parents must first model the ways of God with their children. Truth is more often caught than taught, the old saying goes, and children learn most from observation. Remember to live the very principles you hope to see in your children.
If you don’t value it, why should they? Model private Bible study, prayer, worship, participation in the faith community, critical faith-based reasoning, and opting for Christian alternatives to the world. This leads your children to do the same.
Peace.
For further reading:
4 Ways to Engage Secular Culture for Christ
9 Ways to Protect Your Kids from Things That Secular Culture Sneaks In
What Should Christians Know about Secular Vs. Biblical Psychology?
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Originally published Wednesday, 27 December 2023.