How Are We Preparing Our Children?

Published by Deborah Negron M.A.

January 28, 2021

So many of us say we love the Lord. We claim to seek him and to hav a relationship with him. The conflicting part however, is that our knowledge of who He is and what His Word says is limited to what we have heard.

The average Christian American claims to be fond or to believe the Bible is the Word of God, however are not familiar with the Bible at all.

The truth is that as scripture tells us,

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Hosea 4:6 NKJV

When we do not learn what the Bible teaches we put ourseves at a spiritual disadvantage.

When we do not teach God’s Word to our children, fail to prepare them for the spiritual warfare they will face in life.

Contrary thoughts and sinful philosophies will be presented to them in life. Outside influences will press in and attempt to persuade them. They will hear many voices that will cause them to question the faith. But if they know the truths of God’s Word, they will be prepared to combat the challenges that arise. They will be shown a variety of paths to take. Yet, if they have been grounded in the Word of God, they will recall what scripture says,

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6

When presented with questions about ther identity or sexuality, they will be clear on the fact that the Lord fashioned them. They will know they were created in th image of God, as Scripture states, male and female, they were created.

When confronted with the myriad of questionable choices to commit or participate in sin, they will understand that the privilege of knowing Christ Jesus is a life free from Condemnation.

They will be equipped to combat the negative pull by understanding this,

“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:22‭-‬23 NKJV

Of all the things we can offer our children, there is only one thing that can empower them to walk in faith and in the freedom of living for Jesus Christ. It is the knowledge of the Word of God.

It is to be as essential as their nutrition for their physical body. The regimen should include learning about the Word of God.

Knowing that the Lord is our Maker and Creator – Genesis 1 to 2. The fall of man – Genesis 3.

The understanding that we need a Savior and how God supplied a way for us to escape the punishment of sin. John 1, John 3:16 – 18.

The Calling of Abram and the promise of God that through Abraham mankind would be blessed.

In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
Genesis 22:18

The necessity for our children to know the Word of God is great. How can they learn unless we teach them.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

They need to be prepared to face the enemy of their souls. They need to know what Ephesian 6 states, as the Apostle Paul rights,

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Ephesians 6:1‭-‬3‭, ‬10‭-‬18

I recall when my son was about to join the military. I recall one of the conversations I had with him. I asked him if he wasprepard for such a decision. He stated, “Mom, they will train me. They will dress me and prepare me for combat.”

Today, I want to challenge you mother and Father. I want to challenge you grandma and grandpa. I want to challenge you teacher and pastor.

How well, are those in your care being prepared. How well, do they know their weapon of warfare?

The Word of God is the Sword they will have to use offensively, Defensively and with wisdom.

How well do we know the Word? How often are we in connection to it. Do we understand the value of it? Do they?

Can we not comprehend that the day of troubles is at hand. Our lives will be kept. Our minds will be at peace when our minds are staged on Him.

When we understand the value of God’s Word.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Psalm 46:1-2

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
Psalms 91:1‭-‬2

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1

Our children must know that if they fall or fail in some way, the Lord promises to be their defense.

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
I John 2:1

Our children need to have this Word as their go to manual. They are to have its knowledge in order to continue faith.

The artisan must master his craft. The carpenter works skillfully on the wood. For he has been an apprentice. He has watched and learned instruction. He has leared how to skillfully use each tool, the saw, the file, the sand paper. He has learned well to fulfill the tasks given.

The soldier has learned the skills of battle and has practiced with determination In order to succeed in battle. He has practiced how to use each weapon with precision and with speed. He has understood the importance of his role in protecting his nation.

The runner has prepared with time and effort running and preparing his body to be able to run steady the race. He has watched nutrition intake, weight and form. His stance as his position while running has been carefully seen.

The lineman has learned how to climb and work with electrical wires at a great height and to focus on the objective. He has learned to keep his balance and how to hold on tight even in the blowing of the winds. He has learned to study the speed of the wind and the best position in which to climb to be able to fulfill the role.

How well are we preparing our sons and daughters?

Will they be skillful in ther use of the tools of the faith? Will they be able to cut away that which is of no value and hold steadfast to that which is precious?

Will they be ready for battle? When the enemy comes to confuse them, will they know how to combat the forces of evil?

Will the be able to run the race of faith? Will they be able to run along race? Will they have the steadfastness to remain faithful and know the peace of God in the midst of the track of life?

Will they be able to climb and not fear the contrary winds of lies they may have to face. Will they hold on well, to the truths of God’s Word in order for them to soar to higher heights in the Lord?

Proverbs written by Solomon says it best.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

If we teach our children to know God’s Word they will lack nothin“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:31‭-‬33

Oh, we can do this. We Can Build them up to stad firm in the faith. Let’s Do it for their sake.

They will be able to stand in Christ and in the knowledge of God’s Word.