As my kids have been getting older, I’ve been thinking about ways I can help them identify the truth in a world of half-truths and confusing misinformation.
Pray for them
The biggest thing I can do is prioritize praying for them. God doesn’t want them to believe the world’s lies either, and He knows what they’re hearing all the time, everywhere.
I’m trying to trust that He’ll prepare them for whatever they’ll need, just like I’ve seen Him prepare me for situations that I never could have anticipated. And one of the ways I can build that trust is to continue praying for them and asking that God will give me the words and insight He wants them to have, at just the right time.
Teach the Bible’s truth
In addition to prayer, I’m trying to teach them what’s in the Bible. What does this look like?
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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 (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
As this passage instructs, talk about it at home, when you’re out and about, at bedtime, and in the morning. God isn’t reserved for Sundays. We need to talk about Him throughout the day, every day.
This also reminds me how important it is for me to read my Bible regularly. If I’m not continuing to go to God and open His word, how will I help my kids know what’s true and what’s not?
I’m not writing this to make you feel like you need to know every single thing the Bible says about everything. That’s just not practical! But the more you read it, the more you’ll start to internalize it and God will help you recall what you need at just the right time.
Biblical math equals truth
As my kids learn more about what God says in the Bible, I can also start to teach them biblical math. This is something I heard Pastor Paul Sheppard share on his podcast a while back. I really liked it so I wrote it down, but I have no idea when he said it.
It’s a method to test what you hear to find out if it’s true. It’s not biblical if any of the following are true:
+ it adds to the word of God or the gospel.
– it subtracts from God or Jesus’ divinity.
x it multiplies what you need to do for salvation.
/ it divides the church with petty issues.
Do you have any additional tips for helping your kids identify what’s true in a world full of all kinds of confusing partial truths? Share them below in the comments!