We can't make our kids love God, only He can change their heart. But if we want them to develop a love for Him, WE have to show them that WE love Him. The church can help teach and supplement, but it is ultimately our responsibility as parents to instill a love for the Lord. It is not the children's program at church's job to be the sole source of spiritual food for your child. You should be, as their parent. Showing them Christ daily through your actions.
Be intentional. Teach them diligently. Persevere through the hard years when you don't think they're listening anyway and you're the only one who is singing the hymns and the baby cries the whole time you're reading the scripture. You are doing good work. You are etching the truth of God on their hearts!
And also ask yourself...is it evident to them that YOU love the Word of God? We talk about teaching our kids, but are you taking the time to allow Christ to fill you with His word? Children know when we're just checking the boxes. Religiosity won't cut it - we have to show them genuine faith that only comes from a true relationship with the Father.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
Deuteronomy 6: 5-9
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