September 29th, 2025
by Lars Dahl
by Lars Dahl
Nurturing Faith from the Start
In a world that often undervalues the young, there's a profound truth we must remember: children are not a burden, but a blessing from the Lord. This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates a message that resonates deeply with parents, grandparents, and all who care for the next generation.
The journey of faith begins early, and as caretakers of young souls, we have a sacred responsibility. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it," says Proverbs 22:6. But how do we embark on this crucial task?
First and foremost, we must be genuine in our faith. Children have an uncanny ability to see through pretense. If we profess to love the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, our actions must align with our words. Consistency is key – our daily habits and routines should reflect our commitment to God.
The book of Deuteronomy offers practical guidance: "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." This isn't a suggestion, but a command – a call to weave our faith into the fabric of everyday life.
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of children in the kingdom of God. When parents brought their little ones to Him for a blessing, the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus firmly corrected this misguided thinking: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." This powerful statement highlights not only the value of children but also the nature of faith itself.
To enter the kingdom of heaven requires childlike faith, a humble, dependent trust in God. Jesus uses a child as an example, saying, "Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." This humility is the foundation of salvation, recognizing our need for a Savior and putting our trust in Jesus Christ alone.
As parents and mentors, our role is to facilitate this connection between children and Jesus. We must never be a barrier between them and Christ. No human obstacle should prevent a child from coming to know the Savior. This is a timeless warning against rigid traditions or legalistic approaches that might hinder genuine faith.
The responsibility of nurturing faith in children is not limited to parents alone. It extends to the entire community of believers. We are called to offer love, support, prayers, and encouragement to families raising children. Moreover, we are tasked with being faithful in prayer for these young ones and setting godly examples so that they might one day come to trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
This commitment is lifelong. Even as children grow into adults, they may still turn to their parents for guidance and support in times of spiritual struggle or heartbreak. The parental role evolves but never ends, requiring wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith.
In Psalm 139:16, we're reminded of God's intimate knowledge of each child: "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." This verse speaks to the purposeful design behind every life, a truth that can bring comfort and direction to both parents and children.
Jeremiah 29:11 offers another powerful promise: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" As we guide the young ones in our care, we can draw strength from the assurance of God's good intentions for their lives.
The act of dedicating children to the Lord is a beautiful tradition that echoes Hannah's dedication of Samuel in the Old Testament. It's a moment of recognizing that our children ultimately belong to God, and we are stewards entrusted with their care and spiritual nurture.
As we consider the weighty responsibility of raising children in faith, we must also remember the joy it brings. The sight of a child growing in their understanding of God's love, or the moment when they first express their own faith, is precious beyond measure. These are the rewards that make the challenges of parenting worthwhile.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become distracted or overwhelmed by the demands of raising children. We might find ourselves counting down to the next school break or wishing away the difficult phases. But each moment is an opportunity to point our children towards Jesus, through our words, our actions, and our very lives.
Let us approach this task with humility, recognizing our own need for God's grace and guidance. We are not perfect, but we serve a perfect God who can work through our weaknesses to reveal His strength. As we strive to lead by example, may we also be quick to admit our failures and demonstrate the power of forgiveness and redemption.
In conclusion, the calling to nurture faith in children is both a tremendous responsibility and an incredible privilege. It requires consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to grow in our own faith continually. As we dedicate ourselves to this task, may we remember the words of Jesus: "Let the little children come to Me." Let us be the ones who clear the path, who take them by the hand, and who introduce them to the boundless love of their Heavenly Father.
In doing so, we not only shape the future of individual lives but also contribute to the building of God's kingdom. For in the faith of a child, we catch a glimpse of the purity, trust, and love that characterize true discipleship. May we learn from them even as we teach, and may our homes and communities be places where faith flourishes and the next generation rises to know and serve the Lord.
In a world that often undervalues the young, there's a profound truth we must remember: children are not a burden, but a blessing from the Lord. This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates a message that resonates deeply with parents, grandparents, and all who care for the next generation.
The journey of faith begins early, and as caretakers of young souls, we have a sacred responsibility. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it," says Proverbs 22:6. But how do we embark on this crucial task?
First and foremost, we must be genuine in our faith. Children have an uncanny ability to see through pretense. If we profess to love the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, our actions must align with our words. Consistency is key – our daily habits and routines should reflect our commitment to God.
The book of Deuteronomy offers practical guidance: "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." This isn't a suggestion, but a command – a call to weave our faith into the fabric of everyday life.
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of children in the kingdom of God. When parents brought their little ones to Him for a blessing, the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus firmly corrected this misguided thinking: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." This powerful statement highlights not only the value of children but also the nature of faith itself.
To enter the kingdom of heaven requires childlike faith, a humble, dependent trust in God. Jesus uses a child as an example, saying, "Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." This humility is the foundation of salvation, recognizing our need for a Savior and putting our trust in Jesus Christ alone.
As parents and mentors, our role is to facilitate this connection between children and Jesus. We must never be a barrier between them and Christ. No human obstacle should prevent a child from coming to know the Savior. This is a timeless warning against rigid traditions or legalistic approaches that might hinder genuine faith.
The responsibility of nurturing faith in children is not limited to parents alone. It extends to the entire community of believers. We are called to offer love, support, prayers, and encouragement to families raising children. Moreover, we are tasked with being faithful in prayer for these young ones and setting godly examples so that they might one day come to trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
This commitment is lifelong. Even as children grow into adults, they may still turn to their parents for guidance and support in times of spiritual struggle or heartbreak. The parental role evolves but never ends, requiring wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith.
In Psalm 139:16, we're reminded of God's intimate knowledge of each child: "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." This verse speaks to the purposeful design behind every life, a truth that can bring comfort and direction to both parents and children.
Jeremiah 29:11 offers another powerful promise: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" As we guide the young ones in our care, we can draw strength from the assurance of God's good intentions for their lives.
The act of dedicating children to the Lord is a beautiful tradition that echoes Hannah's dedication of Samuel in the Old Testament. It's a moment of recognizing that our children ultimately belong to God, and we are stewards entrusted with their care and spiritual nurture.
As we consider the weighty responsibility of raising children in faith, we must also remember the joy it brings. The sight of a child growing in their understanding of God's love, or the moment when they first express their own faith, is precious beyond measure. These are the rewards that make the challenges of parenting worthwhile.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become distracted or overwhelmed by the demands of raising children. We might find ourselves counting down to the next school break or wishing away the difficult phases. But each moment is an opportunity to point our children towards Jesus, through our words, our actions, and our very lives.
Let us approach this task with humility, recognizing our own need for God's grace and guidance. We are not perfect, but we serve a perfect God who can work through our weaknesses to reveal His strength. As we strive to lead by example, may we also be quick to admit our failures and demonstrate the power of forgiveness and redemption.
In conclusion, the calling to nurture faith in children is both a tremendous responsibility and an incredible privilege. It requires consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to grow in our own faith continually. As we dedicate ourselves to this task, may we remember the words of Jesus: "Let the little children come to Me." Let us be the ones who clear the path, who take them by the hand, and who introduce them to the boundless love of their Heavenly Father.
In doing so, we not only shape the future of individual lives but also contribute to the building of God's kingdom. For in the faith of a child, we catch a glimpse of the purity, trust, and love that characterize true discipleship. May we learn from them even as we teach, and may our homes and communities be places where faith flourishes and the next generation rises to know and serve the Lord.
Lars Dahl
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