Life often resembles a multiple-choice question, giving us many options from which to choose and different ways to arrive at our decisions. For example, when faced with a decision do you typically (a) go with what feels right (b) ask for friend’s advice (c) put off making the choice (d) none of the above. The way in which you make choices is very likely the way that your children are being trained to make choices.
In training children to make choices that please God it’s important to include Him in the process. Isaiah 48:17 tells us: This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
Begin by teaching your child that it is never God’s desire that he settle for what is merely good or better. God wants the absolute best for His children, and in order to recognize God’s best we must allow Him to teach us through His Word and prayer.
Training your child to include God in his decision making process is an important step in learning to seek His best. For example, when choices present themselves, rather than make each choice for your child, engage him in conversation to consider each possibility and potential consequence. Ask him questions that will cause him to ponder God’s perspective: Do you think this choice will please God? Does God’s Word have anything to say about the topic you are considering? Is the choice you are making honoring to the Lord?
Help your child understand that consequences are related to choices, and even choices that we may view as insignificant can have life long consequences. Galatians 6:7 teaches that a man will reap what he sows. Verse 8 states: The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Show your child that in the same way a farmer who plants corn does not expect to harvest beans, those who live to fulfill selfish desires should not expect to reap the promises of God.
By assisting your child in making Christ-centered choices now, you are equipping him to make godly choices for himself in the future.