Chapter Four: What Kids Need

Book: Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions
Chapter Four: What Kids Need

Barna states that human development is a complex mixture of growth in five core areas: the moral, spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual dimensions of life. He contends that the basis of each one of these areas in one's spiritual foundation.

He illustrates by writing, "To distinguish right from wrong, we need to establish whether morals are absolute or situational - that is, whether they are always the same, regardless of the situation, or whether they are determined according to circumstances. In order to arrive at that point of decision, we must identify the source of our moral standards. Most Americans contend that morals are relative because they are based upon a person’s feelings, experiences, personal philosophy or personal needs. Relatively few Americans - barely 25% say there is an absolute moral standard and that it is contained in the Bible." pg 53

I have found in my experience that it is incredibly enlightening to ask a person what they base their choices on ... or how do they determine what is right or wrong. Quite honestly, many people just stare blankly back at you -- really not know how to respond. Most of the time, people muddle through life doing what is convenient - letting ease determine what is right or wrong. Others let the law determine what is right or wrong -- but just because something is legal does not make it right -- i.e. abortion, drunkenness, and illicit sex. Some let pragmatism be the determining factor in their decisions -- I'll do whatever I can to get what I want.

Amazingly, most adults I have asked this question to usually have not taken time to think about what determines right and wrong in their life. This question is vital to a follower of Christ to determine. It is God and His Word that is the determining factor of what is right and wrong.

Banra writes, "The bottom line is that a person's moral foundation is either based on Christian Principles and thus drawn from God's Word, or it is based on worldly perspectives." pg 53

Barna then takes several pages and discusses what influences children and when. Basically, the younger the child - the more influence parents and authority will have on their lives. As the move into adolescence, the less influence parents and authority will have and the more the media (music, movies, TV, internet) will have on their lives.

Barna list four cornerstones for helping children build a solid biblical foundation:

1. The Bible
2. A Commanding Knowledge of Biblical Content
3. The Identification of Organizing Principles
4. A Burning Desire to Obey God

He also listed seven questions that we should make sure we discuss from a biblical perspective with our children as they mature. They are the basis for a solid and sound biblical world perspective.

1. Does God Exist?
2. What is the character and nature of God?
3. How and why was the world created?
4. What is the nature and purpose of humanity?
5. What happens after we die of earth?
6. What spiritual authorities exist?
7. What is truth?

You say this doesn't apply to your 6 year old - but at some point your 6 year old will walk into a High School Science Class and be confronted with differing views on these questions. Views that ridicule God and His Word. The question is, Who is preparing your child for that day?

That is a primary responsibility of the parents to train up their children with this view.

By the way - Barna states, "By the age of nine, most of the moral and spiritual foundations of a child are in place." pg 58

Don't wait too long. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes.