Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers #59 – You Can’t Drag Your Kids

You Can’t Drag Your Kids Kicking & Screaming into God’s Kingdom.

There are no guarantees in God’s Word that believers will have children who are believers. The Bible says they will be blessed by growing up in a godly home, but only God Spirit can draw people to Himself. As much as we may desire to, we simply can’t force our teens into following Jesus or strong-arm them into the kingdom of God.

The Bible tells us that everyone will stand before God and account for his own life. In case you haven’t noticed, your teen has a mind of his/her own. When they were little they listened to everything you said and pretty much believed everything you said. As they mature, they begin to process information differently and develop their own thoughts and ideas.

So what’s a Christian parent to do?

  • Strive to be faithful and obedient followers of Jesus yourself.
  • Pray for your children to come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Model and talk about what it means to follow Jesus.
  • Give testimony to God’s provision and impact in your own life
  • Share the Gospel through Grace – not obedience.

“For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”  Romans 14:10-12 (ESV)

Give your teen opportunities to ask questions and better understand the Gospel. Don’t overreact when they have questions; make it a safe conversation so they keep talking to you and not shut down.

I’m praying for you!

in HIS service,

Pastor Mark