Passing the Baton

“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” Colossians 3:20-21

The most critical part of a relay race is the exchange, the passing of the baton from one runner to another. Cultivating and maintaining the right atmosphere for exchanging biblical faith and virtues is a constant challenge. Here are some helps:

Don’t force your faith. No one can hand a baton off to a clenched fist. The Christian faith is not coercive. We share what the Bible says, provide a proper example, and then trust God to personalize His truth to our children.

Be real. Let your children see your weaknesses, your failures, your scars. Do not hide behind a veil of pride. Christians make mistakes - including you. Admission of wrong, confession and repentance on your behalf give your children an authentic portrait of Christianity - our sin and God’s lovingkindness.

Bend a little. Strict, inflexible rules tend to produce rebellious kids. Do not abuse your position of authority. Set guidelines that give your children room to maneuver without compromising your convictions.

Wait on God. Your children may not actually embrace your faith until adulthood. Keep praying and sharing your faith even when your nest is empty.

“Spare the rod and spoil the child - that is true. But...keep an apple to give him when he has done well.” -Martin Luther