When to Share the Gospel with Kids - Part 1

 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2
 
As in the case of the transformation from Saul to Paul, most dramatic conversion stories happen among adults. Kids who grow up in a Christ-centered home tend to have a more gradual awakening to the gospel message. Later in life, some find it difficult to remember an exact day during childhood when they prayed to receive Christ. 
 
While remembering one’s “spiritual birthday” has benefits, it’s worth noting that none of us remember our physical birth. The fact that we are alive today is ample evidence that we were – at some point in the past – born into this world. As children grow into spiritual adulthood, their spiritual health and vitality stands as the greatest evidence that – at some point in the past – they experienced that life-giving moment of salvation. 
 
During these parenting years, how can you help your child along the journey toward salvation? 

• First, understand that the gospel message is an abstract concept. Opening a gift under the Christmas tree is a concrete idea – grab the gift, tear the paper off, squeal over the present inside. The gift of salvation requires a person to grasp the concept of sin, the need for forgiveness, and the “gift” of grace that comes by faith. Not every child is ready to comprehend this, but eventually he or she will be able to. 
• Next, watch for your child’s growing perception of sin and guilt. This goes beyond a three year old knowing that he shouldn’t put his hand in the cookie jar. Between the ages of 7 and 11, most children develop a deeper awareness that they have done something wrong, so wrong that they feel embarrassed or ashamed about it and realize that they need to do something to make things better again. When your son or daughter shows the capacity to experience guilt in this way, it is time for you to restate the gospel message of forgiveness that comes from Christ. 
• Finally, compare your “tangible” forgiveness to the way God forgives. Walk your child through the steps of apologizing to you: “You disobeyed what I told you to do. Your disobedience deserves punishment. While you still have to accept the consequences of your decision, because of your apology I forgive you and will take away the punishment. (This is mercy.) Also, because I love you, I will offer you the chance to obey in this area again. (This is grace.) And I trust that your gratitude will lead you to obey the next time.” 

Once you have walked through this progression intentionally with your child, you can go back through it with salvation in mind. Discuss obedience to God, deserved punishment for sin, our need for confession, His willingness to forgive, and the way that God’s grace becomes our motivation to obey Him in the future. 
 
Not every child will understand the physical/spiritual parallel the first time through, or the second or third time either! But every time you walk your child through the steps toward forgiveness, you bring him or her closer to the salvation that is found only in Christ.