This man obviously did not have his own personal beliefs; he was
dependent on his pastor to tell him what he believed.
As Christian parents we must be careful not raise our children
like this. We must help them to know what they believe and why by pointing them to God’s Word and encouraging them to seek answers until they find them.
I am not talking about a six year old, but definitely a sixteen
year old. Actually, I would say the transition starts closer to around twelve. Quiet times can start as soon as they can read, but expecting them to apply what they read to their everyday lives may take more maturing.
Recently, we heard a speaker that did not represent what we believe. He was a pastor, but there was no scripture given to back his points. On the ride home our children were confused and had a lot of questions. We answered them the best we could and then we instructed them to not make it about what he believes vs. what we believe. Instead, we told them to ask God to show them, as they read His Word, what they believe and why they believe it. Also, we encouraged them to pray and ask God to show them His Truth, so all confusion could be eliminated. And believe me, we are praying for them too.
Knowing what we believe and why we believe it is a process, look
at Jesus’ disciples:
John 2: 11”This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.”
Then:
John 2: 22 “After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scriptures and the words that Jesus had spoken.”
Our children often put their faith in God at a very young age, yet it is their believing the Scriptures and the words that Jesus had spoken that is what we call “making their faith their own.” Just as the disciples changed from this point on into men that were bold and unwavering, so our goal is for our children.