Witness: Time is Now
by Kelli Sears
The best gift we could give to the children in our life is the understanding that they are sinners, and to recognize the urgent and desperate need for a savior. Our “do what makes you happy” culture sets us up to feel that bringing awareness to a child’s sin could be too harsh or intense, but what is harsher yet, is a life without Christ.
From the time my children start to display tantrums, revealing their sin, we begin their salvation journey with them. We break down sin, God’s love for us and what He did to rescue us from ourselves. I believe in my heart that the sooner kids can begin processing the gospel message, the better. I appreciate Tim Keller’s words when he said, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
The first step of improvement for anyone is to become mindful of how they are acting. This is self-awareness. To introduce them to the idea that “yuckiness” can come out of them, and that we have a tendency to do things our way instead of God’s way. There is no better time to unveil and educate children than when they are in the moment. This means you will be taking advantage of these precious but hard situations in the store, the park, library, friend’s houses, church, family get togethers…etc. Take heart and utilize every opportunity. Prepare to be blessed by how deep and capable children are.
When kids act out, there is an immediate open door to share the gospel with them, unfolding the amazing truth that they have a Savior, a King, a Daddy…who gave His very own child to save them from “yuckiness.” This marks the beginning of a lifelong process of your little ones falling in love with Christ. The book, The Gospel-Centered Parent states that, “The love of God will grow in children when they know Jesus and fall in love with him- because they’ve heard the gospel and believe.” We GET to share the story of Jesus with them.
When children begin to take notice of their actions and start to understand that what they say and do matters, I witness their wheels spin, and it is often followed by their first hint of conviction. Yes, even as a toddler! When they act out, posture yourself on their level by bringing a soft, gentle heart in attempt to soften their heart. You discuss their hurtfulness and talk about how there is another way to act, thanks to Jesus. This conversation will happen again, and again, and again. Especially if there are multiple children! We are naturally correcting children all the time. Let us tell them about Jesus all the time too. Repetition clothed in kindness will be your melody. You are training their mind. Sound familiar to your own life?
Our fourth born, Haddie, is three. She has enough spirit and strong will for a few children. This has provided us with wonderful (and exhausting, let’s be real) opportunities to soften her heart and show her that our flesh, when left alone, will be hurtful, and how yucky that feels. Even a three-year-old can see and feel that anger is not what they want. Once children begin to understand that actions can be sinful, hurtful and push us from our Savior who wants to rescue us, the beauty and the relief forgiveness brings is life changing. Again, even for a young heart.
For children to grow into adults that have a fruit-bearing relationship with Christ, they must understand their need for Him. This dynamic is not something we “should” be developing and enhancing, but “must” be developing and enhancing in their young minds and hearts. It will not happen unless there is intentionality by someone in their life. Challenging children in this way will feel impossible to maintain if our hearts are not in it. But if our hearts are convicted, teaching them will be impossible to avoid. This is not about capability but about vulnerability. We must be vulnerable and raw with children. Beth Nyhart, author of Rend Your Heart & Not Your Garments, and guest blogger on Mama Bear Apologetics suggests, “The best thing you can do to teach your kids how to deal with the sin in THEIR hearts is show them how you deal with the sin in YOURS.” The most beautiful moments I have had with my children have been around discussions regarding our similar sinful natures and how we grow close to Christ in the battle against our flesh. There is no space more intimate for humans than the space filled with vulnerability, confession, and encouragement.
I wish you the best as you begin or continue to teach the children in your life the gospel message and what that means for their life, for as an anonymous person who I believe is spot on said, “If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.” If my children learn anything from me, may it be that they are in desperate need of a Savior, and to live joyfully, because the Savior we need has come!
