Communicating with Kids

Posted 4/29/2006 11:40:09 PM

Thoughts on proper communication, with kids in particular:

In Word and in Deed

"Actions speak louder than words" the old adage goes. Well, that certainly says a lot about how important our actions are, but it's even more important for our words and actions to match!

Eph 4:29 - Everything we say should be wholesome and be constructive.

• Eph 5:4 - give thanks! our kids need to know God is the source of all we have
• Mat 12:34 - your speech comes from your heart in the end, so make sure your heart is right with God at all times you're dealing with your children
• Col 3:8 - abusive speech has no place in a Christian's life
• Col 4:6 - our speech should be gracious and tasty to hear
• Jas 4:11 - Don't fill your kids in on all the problems in other people

Jas 3:13 - Anyway, on to those actions. A Spirit-filled Christian will be driven by wisdom from God, which is oh so different than the "conventional" wisdom around us.

• 1Pe 2:12 - build a good reputation among the unsaved because of your good actions (how do you treat service personnel, govermental authorities, laws, etc.?
• 1Ti 4:12 - Youth is no reason for not expecting good behavior and speech

Some examples

1. In Genesis 22, Isaac travels with Abraham to a mysterious sacrifice. Along with way he asks Abraham about the sacrifice, and Abraham answers truthfully, yet obtusely that God would provide. Our kids need to be answered, but wisely according to what they should know at a given point.
2. In Judges 11, Jephthah's daughter knows her father well enough to insist he keep his vow before God, and give her up.
3. Judean kings Joash 2Ki 22, Hezekiah 2Chr 29, and Josiah 2Ki 12; 2Chr 24 followed God at young ages despite the bad example of their fathers.
4. Jesus, at 12 years old, respects his earthly parents even though He was in the temple doing his heavenly Father's work Lu 2:49.

Practical suggestions

De 6 details it all out. Communicate all day, every day, in whatever we are doing. As parents, our central mission is to teach our children to love God, and to love His commandments. Part of this process is to create ways of remembering what God has done for us. Certain days, specific places, and even an object can all be used to point our children's attention to God.

All verses in this article