Keys to Family Happiness/ WHEN YOUR ADOLESCENT QUESTIONS YOUR FAITH - Talk It Out

What underlying issue might your adolescent be facing? The best way to find out is to ask him!  Be careful, though, not to let the discussion deteriorate into an argument. Instead, follow the admonition of James 1:19:  "Be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath."  Be patient with him. Employ "all long-suffering and art of teaching," just as you would with someone outside the family.

For example, if your adolescent balks at attending Christian meetings, try to find our something else is bothering him. But do so with patience. Little good is accomplished by the parent in the following scenario.

Son: I just don't like going to meetings anymore.

Father:  (hostile tone) What do you mean you don't l like going?

Son: I find them boring, that's all!

Father: Is that  how you feel about God?  You find him boring? Well,  that's just too bad?  As long as you live under our roof, you're going with us-whether you like it or not!

God requires that parents teach their children about him and that children obey their parents.  (Ephesians 6:1)  However,  you want your child to do more than blindly follow your spiritual routine and reluctantly go with you to Christian meetings. If at all possible, you would like his mind and heart to come along.

Next time: Keys to Family Happiness/ WHEN YOUR ADOLESCENT  QUESTIONS YOUR FAITH - Conclusion of   Talk It Out

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