The Power of Parental Influence: Sharing Your Faith with Your Children

As parents, we hold one of the most significant roles in our children’s lives. Our influence shapes their beliefs, values and understanding of the world around them. Among the most vital aspects of this influence is our relationship with Christ and how we share that relationship with our children. In a world filled with distractions and competing narratives, we must be intentional about sharing our faith and personal experiences with them.

The Role of Parents in Spiritual Development

The Bible emphasizes the importance of parental guidance in spiritual matters. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This verse highlights the need for continuous and intentional conversations about faith. It is not just about teaching our children what to believe, but about cultivating an environment where faith is lived out daily.

Sharing Personal Testimonies 

One of the most effective ways to impart faith to our children is through our personal testimonies. Sharing our experiences with Christ—how we came to know Him, the challenges we've faced, and how He has worked in our lives—can have a profound impact. When we share our stories, we make faith tangible. Our children see that faith is not just a set of rules or beliefs, but a living relationship that shapes our lives.

In Psalm 78:4, we read, “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.” This verse encourages us to openly share our experiences of God’s faithfulness, mercy and love. When we recount how God has guided us, provided for us, or comforted us in times of trouble, we paint a picture of a God who is active and present in our lives.

The Importance of Authenticity

It’s essential to be authentic in our sharing. Children are perceptive; they can sense when we are being disingenuous. Sharing our struggles, doubts and failures alongside our victories can help our children understand that faith is a journey, not a destination. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” By acknowledging our weaknesses, we demonstrate the grace of God and the importance of relying on Him.

Creating a Safe Space for Questions

Encouraging open dialogue about faith is crucial as children grow and begin to form their own beliefs. We should create a safe space where they feel comfortable asking questions and expressing doubts. In Proverbs 22:6, we are reminded, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This doesn’t mean we have all the answers, but it does mean we can guide them back to Scripture and our experiences as a foundation for their understanding.

Incorporating Faith into Daily Life

Faith should not be confined to Sunday services or family devotions; it should permeate every aspect of our lives. In Colossians 3:17, we are instructed, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” This means we can share our faith through our actions, decisions and how we treat others. When our children see us living out our faith in practical ways—showing kindness, practicing forgiveness, and serving others—they learn what it means to be a follower of Christ.

The Long-Term Impact

The influence we have on our children can extend far beyond our immediate family. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes to Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Our faith can create a legacy that impacts generations. By sharing our experiences and instilling a love for Christ in our children, we are equipping them to carry the torch of faith into their own families and communities.

As parents, we have a divine calling to guide our children in their spiritual journey. By sharing our personal experiences with Christ and fostering an environment of open dialogue and authenticity, we can help shape their understanding of faith. Let us remember the words of Proverbs 4:7: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Investing in our children’s spiritual development is one of the most valuable investments we can make, with eternal implications.

Let us commit to being intentional in our role as spiritual leaders in our homes. May we share our stories, embrace authenticity, and create a legacy of faith that will last for generations to come.

‍