“Train Up a Child”, Not “Brainwash a Child” |
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Recently I spent a day with a new friend of mine who is a self-described atheist. We talked about our backgrounds and upbringing and, after hearing I had grown up going to church, he commented that I may have been “brainwashed” as a child. According to him, there was no other reasonable explanation for the fact that I continued to trust Christ, let alone believe that He even existed as described in the Bible.
His observation got me thinking about the balance between sharing the gospel with children versus manipulating them into a set of beliefs and worldview. We have all heard stories of people who, as a result of their contact with a group, have been “brainwashed” into a certain pattern of thinking and behavior.
How can we as believers avoid manipulation in children’s evangelism? Below are some principles and guidelines to consider:
1. Give them unconditional love. Do not base your love of a child on their acceptance of your beliefs or on their behavior. This does not mean that you should not discipline them in love when they disobey, but it does mean to love them regardless and reassure them of your love. You do not want them fearful that they will lose your love based on what they say or do.
2. Emphasize to them the importance of reading the Bible for themselves. This will allow them to discover God’s truth themselves rather than just accept what other people tell them it says.
3. Encourage them to ask questions. You do not want them to automatically accept a belief “just because” you or any other adult says so. Encourage honest interaction and try to see things from their point of view. Facilitate an environment where they can honestly express their doubts without fear of a one-sided “sermon” (or other retribution) from you.
4. Leave room for the work of the Holy Spirit. Remember, children come to Christ the same way as everyone else, placing their trust in Christ alone through the work of the Holy Spirit (see John 6:44). We do not want to pressure children into a profession of faith based on their desire to please us or keep the peace. Only God can bring the harvest in His timing. We should teach and share the gospel to children, but be patient and wait on the Lord to work.
Just as Jesus drew children to Himself when He was on earth, He still draws them today. Let’s make sure to give children a clear presentation of the gospel, but leave the results up to God in His timing.
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