“That the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;”
– Psalm 78:6-7
One of the most critical and sacred responsibilities God entrusts to parents is to regularly talk about Him: what He’s done in the past, what He’s doing right now in their daily lives, and what He’s promised to do in days to come. While there is certainly a teaching element to this, the Scripture really paints a picture in which conversations about God and the spiritual aspects of life are woven into the fabric of everyday conversations over meals, during car rides, while playing, and at bedtime.
As helpful as pastors, teachers, leaders, and other relatives can be in the spiritual development of children, this holy responsibility rests first and foremost with parents. Parents must not outsource the cultivation of their children’s spiritual life to others. Others may be more knowledgeable, trained, skilled, or experienced at teaching children about God, but they can’t replace a child’s parents, nor can they rival the influence of a child’s parents.
For parents of children and teens, please lean into this sacred duty! Do what the Scripture commands – heaven and hell depend on you!
For all others, please help parents do this. Support them, pray for them, encourage them, and equip them for this long and difficult task, that the next generation may set their hope in God.