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Title :	Bringing Up Children God's Way. - 12.26.2008 - Article Number: 3
Article Body :	Bringing Up Children God's Way. My parents were the single-most important factor in helping me to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ. Without applying any pressure, their examples of faith lifestyle and real transformation made me want to know more about God, read the Bible, attend church, and eventually ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of my life. Since I have not had the experience of raising children, I asked Karen Wolff of Christian-Books-for-Women.com to write this article with me. Karen is the mother of two grown children. We offer this guide as a basic, practical kick off for learning how to pass on your faith to your children. Where is that instruction guide on raising kids? You know, the one the hospital presents to you just before you step out with your new baby? What do you mean, there isn't one? Bringing up a child is such an significant, seriously sobering task, it should at least come with a manual, don't you think? What do you suppose this instruction guide book would look like? Can't you just see it? It would contain some great chapters like, "How to Stop the Whining," and "How to Get Your Children to Obey When You Talk." Christian parents face just as many difficulties as non-Christians in raising kids. When you add all the distractions and the pressures in today's world, Christian parenting becomes even more than a challenge. A huge part of that responsibility is passing on your faith to kids whose interests are more focused on video games, sporting events, and the latest trends in clothes. And let's not forget to mention peer pressure and media pressure that offers temptations to children to do drugs, drink alcohol and get involved sexually. Today's children face an overall absence of godly examples and moral living in a culture that is moving toward "freedom from religion" instead of "freedom of religion." But the good news is that there are things you can do to raise godly kids and even share your faith with them along the way. Living Your Faith First, as a parent you must act out your faith in your own life. It is impossible to give away what you don't have. Kids can detect a phony from a mile away. They're expecting the real deal from their parents. Living your faith can start with basic things, like showing love, kindness, and generosity. If your kids see you exploring ways to "be a blessing," it will become a natural and normal way of life for them too. Sharing Your Faith Second, start passing on your faith early in the lives of your kids. Being a part of an active Christian church demonstrates to your kids that you think spending time with God is worthwhile. Make it a point to let them hear you talk about the great things happening in the church. Let them hear how much you've been helped by being in the midst of people with similar beliefs who pray for you and you for them. Sharing your faith also means reading the Bible with your children in a way that causes it to become real for them. Find age appropriate Bible tools and lessons to incorporate into your family-fun times, as well as your child's education. Make family prayer times and Bible reading an event in your weekly schedule. Also, incorporate Christian entertainment videos, books, games and movies into your child's life. Instead of feeling deprived of fun, let them discover and enjoy quality and inspiring forms of amusement that will also encourage them to develop spiritually. Another great way to share your faith with your children is to allow them the room to make and develop Christian friendships. Their faith will be strengthened if they can share the same values with their friends. Make sure your church offers a children's program and youth group that your kids will desire to be involved in. What's in it For Them? Lastly, show your children what's in it for them. This is probably one of the most difficult things for many Christian parents. Often people are brought up to believe that faith is some kind of obligation you fulfill by attending church on Sunday. And let's face it, kids today aren't interested in obligations unless there is some kind of reward at the end. Here are some great pay outs: When you give your life to Christ, you ensure your place in heaven. What kid do you know that doesn't want something they don't have to earn, but rather is given to them as a gift? When God comes into your life, you receive unconditional love. What a concept for a young person! Someone who will love and accept them as they are with no strings attached. Being a Christian means getting to freedom. As you develop your relationship with Christ, you can be free from doubt and anxiety, addictions, and so many other issues that seem to plague young people. When you do things God's way, you receive the benefits of that relationship. Having God's favor on your life is like unwrapping a gift every single day. God's favor is an amazing blessing that makes people want to be good to you for no apparent reason. What young person wouldn't want God's blessings in their life? Of course, it wouldn't be fair to share with your kids about the advantages and not share with them about the responsibilities that come with Christian living. Here are some of those: Putting God first. This means making the commitment to seek God. This isn't an easy concept for kids. There's a lot of competition for first place in the life of a child. But parents can help kids understand that God wants them to be happy and successful even more than they do. What a great thing for a young person to hear! Finding ways to be a blessing. Many children are very self centered. The concept of "being a blessing" means taking the focus off them and onto someone else. This is best taught if they can see you living it. Include them in the process when you can. You'll be amazed at how good your kids will feel about themselves. Acting right on purpose. This means treating people with kindness, respect, and patience, even those that are difficult to love. Even parents, brothers and sisters. Right behavior is Christianity in action. Sharing your faith doesn't have to be complicated. Start by living it in your own life so your young people can see it in action. Show your commitment and the value you place in an ongoing relationship with God by discovering ways to be a blessing. Kids learn best by example and modeling your faith is the best example they will ever see.

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