Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/91

Contributor - Joan Kingswood

Title - Teaching Little Children About God

Topic - Parenting

When five year old Rebecca was called in for lunch one day, she arrived breathless, excited, and full of chatter. "I have to eat quick, Mom. The girl next door has never read the Bible, and I'm telling her all about sin. I told her that sin is any want of conformity unto, or, transgression of, the law of God."

It wasn't exactly the type of evangelism we had expected from our children, yet sharing their faith with others had been part of our teaching about God and our obedience to Him. We suggested to Rebecca that she begin telling her friend about Who made her and why. After a quick bite to eat, she bounced back outside to her mission.

A knowledge of God comes to us by revelation - God's Word opening our hearts and minds to His person and power and reconciling us to Him through Jesus Christ. As parents, it is our greatest duty and privilege to help reveal this to our children. As we have sought to be faithful in this calling, my husband and I have found it helpful to keep several points in mind.

1. Children are never too young to begin learning about God. Praying out loud with little babies as you are tucking them into bed, including young ones in true worship, and, speaking freely of God's work in your own life, reveal a knowledge of God to your child. Use Christmas to show God's graciousness to us in Jesus Christ. It is amazing how willing little children are to accept the great truth of the incarnation without question but with awe. "Mom, baby Jesus is God!"

2. Read the scriptures regularly with even young children. It doesn't have to be, and shouldn't be, a couple of chapters from Leviticus. I have found that a short passage, read with reverence and heart keeps the attention of even a three year old. And please, don't ask all those comprehension questions when you are done. Let your child ask the questions or ask him for comments. Perhaps later in the day you might ask your child to tell in his own words what was read earlier. You will get a much better idea of how God's Word is working in your child's life.

3. Catechism is a beautiful way to systematically give children the great truths concerning God's nature and the scope of His power. I use a children's catechism that has short questions and answers, for example: "Who made you? God. What else did God make? All things." Our not yet two-year-old has even copied the older children in this memory work. It doesn't have to be dry and boring. If you are excited about God's truths, your little one will be too. Our three year old was always being asked "Where did you get such pretty hair?" She would look at her questioner oddly and announce emphatically "God!" (Like - Where do you think I got it - don't you study your catechism?

4. Be very choosy about what books and music you rely on when teaching your children about God. Not every so-called "Christian" book or tape contain truths about God as revealed in scripture. In fact, I have found that most are not helpful at all in teaching children about God. Our whole family would recommend the Arch book series. These small paperbacks are colourful, well worded, Bible stories with a note for parents in the back. We read one after supper each night (we know the kids like them because if we forget, they usually remind us!). The Child's World series is also helpful. This series contains titles on Christian virtues such as Honesty, Courage, Helping. A grade one student can read them while a two year old can enjoy them.

Judy Rogers wins for music! She has written and produced several tapes that even the most Reformed theologian will appreciate. The first one, entitled Why Can't I See God, puts the Children's Catechism to music. (Last year our children's choir sang them as part of the worship.) Judy's music has lots of variety and life without making your head spin. Even my husband listens to it in the car when he is by himself.

5. Develop opportunities for Christian compassion in your children. Do they have a friend with the chicken pox? Help make a big painting to go on the sick child's wall, or, bring over some muffins and drinking boxes. Have that lonely neighbour in for your family Christmas dinner. Your child can even make a present for your guest. Faith in action will reveal the heart.

6. Finally, but of first importance, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength". Deuteronomy 6:6 says that these things must be on our hearts. We can never hope to bring our children to an understanding of God unless we have understood our sin, known forgiveness in Jesus Christ, and, are now living a life of gratitude to our Lord and Saviour. It is by grace that we have been saved, and it will be grace alone that brings our children into God's Kingdom. Pray that in His great mercy God will give us the grace and the wisdom to raise our children for Him.

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