Any Ideas On Saving My Teens?

[LaShae]

I have three children of my own 8 months,11, and 14. I also have three step-daughters 10,12,14. I have recently given full control of my life to the Lord. I want my children to build a relationship with our savior. I just can't seem to get my family involved in my spiritual life. Like my husband, my children think it is great that I have changed my life, but when i try to discuss how they feel about our lord and savior they change the subject or find other things to do. Any suggestions?

 

[Crypto]

Live a life that makes them want to know Christ.

 

[LaShae]

Thank you for the reply crypto.

 

[contemplative]

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.”

In drug interventions it can be useful to bring in a third party, a stranger whom the person does not know personally. There is no history with a stranger, no past fights to dredge up, no screen of heavy emotion through which the person must try to see. There is no possibility of "yes, I do drugs, but you _____." A stranger can simply present the facts and can be received a little more objectively.

Depending on your situation, the same may apply here. You may not be able to get them involved in your spiritual life because you are you. I'm not saying don't try, but understand that you are heavily handicapped by your history with these people. You may not be the instrument God chooses to use, so you might want to relax a little on the idea of you saving your teens.

 

[AnandaHya]

see if they will go to church with you and get the kids involved in a good Christian youth group so they can build relationships with Christians and hear the Word of God. lol don't know that is what I'm trying to do. my kids are only 3 and 5 years old.

I read them Bible stories and they learn songs that praise God in Sunday School and they pray over their food and give God thanks whenever we remember to take a few minutes and appreciate all His many blessings

lol have to go clean house but if I think of some more things or if someone give me more ideas I'll post it for you, but the other poster is right. we just need to be living examples of Christ love for us and the world so that through that love everyone can come to know how much God pours forth His love into our hearts and lives

stay blessed Sow the Word and Love of God into their lives

 

[Cabbage]

From a teenager personally, it is really hard to talk to your parents about anything you feel, especially a step mother. I would get somebody else to talk to them, but don't go straight into their room and directly ask them about it. Just have them bring it up in normal conversation. Also, it doesn't help to pressure them to go to church. It just drives them farther away. I know that is hard as a parent, but it is true. Just live by example and show them the way that Christ would have them act. Be patient with them and do not get upset with them. It is hard for them to adapt to something that they do not know. I will pray for you!

 

[Lucy68]

That is a tough spot to be in...especially if your husband isn't interested in the Christian message. If you talk about it too much, they may tune you out. Do you attend a church? Would the children go too?

It seems unfair but sometimes children need to hear someone other than a parent give the Gospel message (I don't know why this is!). A good bible-teaching Pastor can usually get an older child's attention. And Sunday School for the younger ones is very helpful.

It's harder to get children to go to church the older they are. They like having their Sundays free!

Take the younger ones with you and keep suggesting the older ones come at least occasionally. If your church has a youth group that can be an attraction for the older ones. But if your husband doesn't want to come then the older kids will probably do what he does. However, it does no good to try to make him go or make him feel guilty. That would probably backfire and he'd resist even more strongly.

Like Crypto said: " Live a life that makes them want to know Christ" would probably have the most effect.

I've found that having Christian books and DVDs around the house, and listening to worship music can also help get the family interested.

 

[TDWP22]

spank them till they accept Christ lol jk...well its going to be hard because people in general hate change, they dont like it...when it comes to your kids, it will get tougher because they will start to get rebellious and it will be almost impossible to get them to love God...If you keep praying and fasting god will eventually save them

 

[wademach1977]

My grandfather taught me a lot about Jesus by his kindness to others and his faithfulness to God. Be a light to your family and show them you have something they need.

 

[dmdave17]

Live a life that makes them want to know Christ.

Exactly right! This is one area where actions speak much louder than words. As you grow closer to God, you will become more and more happy and content. "yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." (Habakkuk 3:18)

When your family sees what you have, they will want it too. Then they will ask you for your "secret", and you can witness to a receptive audience.

God bless you in abundance.

 

[psymon23]

I'd say let them make their own mind up, present all the possibilities available to them because you clearly haven't always believed and even though you may of made mistakes not everyone who isn't a believer lives a " Life of sin " As long as you raise your children to be upstanding members of the community it doesn't matter if they go to church or not it's what they do as humans that ultimatley matters.

 

[selenah]

I have three children of my own 8 months,11, and 14. I also have three step-daughters 10,12,14. I have recently given full control of my life to the Lord. I want my children to build a relationship with our savior. I just can't seem to get my family involved in my spiritual life. Like my husband, my children think it is great that I have changed my life, but when i try to discuss how they feel about our lord and savior they change the subject or find other things to do. Any suggestions?

The one thing that will affect them the most is how you act and what kind of a person you are. Bible reading time, praying at meals, going to church, listening to Christian music, and talking about God all the time are not going to have as much of an impact on them as what they see in you and other Christians. The whole reason I still believe in God as my Saviour is that I saw so many good, caring, friendly Christian people who were happy in life. Don't try to force them to believe in God. If they don't want to talk about it, don't talk about it. If you do, they'll just end up resenting it and trying to run the opposite way. Anyways, that's just my amateur opinion. Just trust God to work everything out.

 

[needmesomejesus]

I have three children of my own 8 months,11, and 14. I also have three step-daughters 10,12,14. I have recently given full control of my life to the Lord. I want my children to build a relationship with our savior. I just can't seem to get my family involved in my spiritual life. Like my husband, my children think it is great that I have changed my life, but when i try to discuss how they feel about our lord and savior they change the subject or find other things to do. Any suggestions?

Well, being a Christian is supposed to change you. If you are truly following Christ, others can tell. Just live the life you want them to live instead of telling them.

 

[jimmydiggs]

Surprised it doesn't seem to have been mentioned yet, but intercessory prayer is always a must when it comes to another persons salvation.

Also, be prepared to answer questions. (1 Peter 3:15)

People will ask questions, and we must be prepared to answer them.


Otherwise, I am in concurance with those who mentioned being a light..


Matthew 5:14-16...

Matthew 5:14-16 (New International Version)


14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

[detsohg]

I have three children of my own 8 months,11, and 14. I also have three step-daughters 10,12,14. I have recently given full control of my life to the Lord. I want my children to build a relationship with our savior. I just can't seem to get my family involved in my spiritual life. Like my husband, my children think it is great that I have changed my life, but when i try to discuss how they feel about our lord and savior they change the subject or find other things to do. Any suggestions?

Hi,God Bless You.I can relate 2 what u r going through.The most important thing is 2 enhance your personal relationship with Christ.Your family is still living in the carnal world,they wont understand spiritual things,but if u will just pray 4 them,turn them over 2 the care of God trust him=God which is part of your spiritual growth in Christ and dont talk about your walk,just live it with unconditional love towards them,they will see the change in u,and God through u will draw them 2 him,amen.Just have faith and sometimes Salvation can take a lifetime.But God wont let u down,he hears your requests,knows your hearts desires and will fill them.God has so much more instore 4 u,welcome aboard and enjoy the ride.The devil will always tell u the lie,just trust God. He wont let u down gbu.

 

[GreenNnice]

Crypto said it well - live a life in front of them that wholly demonstrates Christ, and, also live life Christly when behind them and to the side of them and....when you are not even with them, and, live Christly with your husband with you because you are One in Christ

---Now, that is spiritual application, as well as what mom did for us in bed was read us stories that demonstrated Christ before we went to sleep, that put good God thoughts in my head to sleep on. Raising kids is a great blessing but hard work too, the best things come to those who earn what they get, and, earning it from Christ is only how we should earn the best things.

Ok. so, rambling a bit, that's the spiritual , but from a practical that is spiritual too because God cares for His sheep (humans born again in Christ), I believe, and, I don't know your living arrangements, but having kids raise a PET can be a fantastic way for them to find worth within themselves. It must be done right though, with getting kid(s) right type pet for their age and also responsibility level or, it can actually defeat their self worth and cause them grief.

God bless your raising children of our King