“So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.” Psalm 78:7
I believe that faith begins at home. But I also believe in and value the body of Christ in community – the church (however damaged it may seem). Traditional church doesn’t have to be the enemy. It can greatly support and enhance our life when we find the right community for our family.
“Tradition, which is always old, is at the same time ever new because it is always reviving – born again in each new generation, to be lived and applied in a new and particular way.” Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island
Tradition gets a bad rap, especially in the church. I get it. There are many “church traditions” I would gladly do without. But there are also many rich traditions I want my children to take part in. The very tradition of faithfully going to church, together as a family, to gather in community and learn about Jesus is a start. Once we move past our wounds and connect our hearts again to the importance of the church, we can ask for the grace to embrace the next tradition and begin making a few new ones for our family.
If we can’t find what we’re looking for, we can create it. Our kids need to learn to be the solution, not merely complain about the problem. We shouldn’t miss out on a relationship with Jesus and the community of saints because it doesn’t look how we want it to look.
We can reform old and stale traditions by adding new elements that reflect the personality of our family and culture. This kind of approach to faith makes it personal and relevant to our kids. It sends the message that life isn’t all about them or their culture. It teaches that tradition has value, and it can be born again and again for future generations.
Foster Communication
Maybe it’s because we’re Italian, but talking was something my family was really good at. I remember feeling an open invitation, at all times, to ask questions and have conversations surrounding life and faith. Those two things were beautifully intertwined in our home. Life was faith. Faith was life. It all blended together so that our growth came naturally, in the midst of ordinary days.
It’s easy in the beginning. Preschool and elementary age kids love to talk. They love to ask questions. Faith-building in the early years is simpler because kids are interested in soaking up as much information as possible. Their hearts are soft and ready to absorb the truth.
A few years later and kids begin to close themselves off. They don’t want to talk because they think we don’t understand or what we have to say isn’t as important as whatever it is they have going on. I remember feeling this way. But my parents kept the doors and the lines of communication always open. There were times when I ignored their invitation but many times, I was glad to know I could come when I was ready.
Children grow up feeling safe; feeling heard and understood when our family culture includes an open door from day one. Spiritual development in the midst of this kind of culture is effective and long-lasting because it’s raw and real-time.
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 (NLT)
Families that actively and authentically build faith – in their homes and in their church communities – raise kids who love Jesus for life. Parents who want to change the world, can start by helping their kids understand the heart of our Rescuer and why it’s worth the daily choice to follow him.
Despite what the world (both Christian and secular) may throw at them, our children have the power to choose Jesus. It won’t always be easy. From time to time they might get hurt. People will disappoint them. But he never will. God is good. He is worthy. He is love.
My spiritual journey (like many) has been messy. Full of flawed people, my own mistakes and questions. But through it all I remained close to Jesus because of the legacy my parents created for our family. They showed me that it was worth it, no matter how messy it got. I could have chosen to walk away. God knows I’ve had reason to give up on my faith. But when I imagine my life without Jesus and the church community, I feel lost and hopeless. I don’t want that for my children.
If I do nothing else right as a parent, I want to do this…raise kids who choose Jesus every day of their lives.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU ARE COMMITTED TO RAISING KIDS WHO LOVE JESUS FOR LIFE?
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This article originally appeared at gatherandgrow.co, published with permission.
