There’s no doubt that it’s important to pass on your faith. But, are you doing it right? Take a look at these three common myths about sharing your faith with the next generation.
Myth : Just getting them to attend church is enough.
Truth: Church attendance is great for teaching biblical truth and establishing community, but that alone is not enough to create a faith that will last into adulthood. When God gave Israel the Ten Commandments, he told them,
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:7-9 ESV
God emphasized the importance of keeping faith at the forefront of their lives, informing every decision. Sitting through some sermons and singing songs with friends won’t be enough to win the heart of a generation. Young people need to see faith at the forefront of your life informing your every decision. For this next generation to catch your faith, you can’t just invite them to church. You have to bring them into your life.
Myth: Keep your faith private. They’ll just notice.
Truth: Being belligerent will turn young people off, but avoid using this truth as an excuse to sit back. Faith that appears disengaged will close the lines of communication even faster than a pushy faith. The next generation is looking for authentic faith fueled by fiery passion and tempered with practical truth lived out. A faith which demands little of the believer may be a light baton to pass, but there aren’t many young people signing up to carry it into the future. Instead, let your life display the life-altering, community-changing grace and truth of Christ.
Myth: Faith, tradition, and style are inseparable and must be preserved together.
Truth: We all have songs and traditions that helped shape our faith. So, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking our experience is the only legitimate experience. However, the evolution of culture can make styles and traditions obsolete while the message of the Gospel remains timeless. As we pass our faith to the next generation, we must not compromise the message, but we must develop new traditions to carry out the great commission. The Gospel never changes, but its carriers must.
