Parents-Shepherd Your Children - Conclusion of GUIDE YOUR CHILDREN

Regardless of the cause, you can help your child to come to grips with the root of any spiritual doubts. How? One suggestion that many parents have found practical and effective is to draw out their son or daughter by asking:  "How do you feel about being a Christian? Personally, what you find are the benefits?  What are the costs?  Do you find that the costs are clearly outweighed by the many benefits, bot  those we enjoy now and those that are promised for the future?  How?"  Of course, you should present such questions in your own words and in a kind, interested way, not as if you were an interrogator. During the conversation, you might discuss  Mark 10:29, 30.  Some youths  may want to write down their thoughts, using two columns-one for the costs and the other for the benefits.  Seeing this assessment on paper may identify any problems and help them to work out solutions. If we need to study the Bible Teach and "God's Love books with interested ones, how much more so with our own children?  Are you doing that?

In time, your children will have to make a personal decision as to whom they will serve.  Do not think that they will simply absorb our faith through some sort of osmosis.  They must make the truth their own.  (Proverbs 3:1, 2) If it seems that a child has a problem doing that, why not go back to basics?  Help him or her to reason on such questions as: "How  do I know that God exists?  What convinces me that Jehovah God really values me?  Why do I believe that Jehovah's standards are truly for my good? Show yourself to be a good shepherd by patiently guiding  your child  or children in proving that Jehovah's way is the best way of life? - ROMANS 12:2.

All true Christians want to be imitators of the Supreme Shepherd. (Ephesians 5:1; 1 Peter 2:25)  Parents in particular need to know the appearance of their flock-their precious children-and do all they can to guide them toward the blessing Jehovah has for them.  By all means, then, shepherd your children by continuing to raise them in the way of truth. 

Next time: Questions From Readers

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