Teaching Your Children to Be Friends With God

David and Jonathan, of Bible fame, were best buds. They probably spent a lot of time together running around King Saul's castle getting into all kinds of mischief. Later in their lives this friendship was greatly tested. I Samuel 18 - 20 tells us of this amazing relationship.

Friendship is very important to kids. They know very well by the elementary years what it means to fit in with the crowd and what it means to be left out. At this age friendships can end just as quickly as they begin. The friendship of David and Jonathan is a good example for your kids to examine and hopefully put into practice in their own lives.

After sharing the highlights of chapters 18 - 20 of I Samuel, remind your kids that just as David and Jonathan were faithful to each other, Jesus will be faithful in His friendship with them. But in order for a relationship to grow, you've got to spend time with the other person.

Ask your kids what are some ways they "hang out" with their friends. They might say skateboarding or swimming. Then ask them what are some ways they could "hang out" with Jesus. They might say praying or reading His Word.

Some other ways your children can get to know Jesus more can include drawing a picture just for Him. Maybe they could try and write a little worship song giving Him praise. Memorizing a Scripture is another great way to get to know God.

Finally, give them a "commitment card" on which they will write down one way they will spend time with Jesus this week. Bless them with some kind of treat or reward for honoring their commitment and repeat the process next week. Now ask yourself how you will "hang out" with Jesus.

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Kathy Vincent is the director of a performing ministry for children called The Scripture Lady and has been traveling around Southern California for the past 13 years ministering to preschoolers and elementary aged children with the Word of God through musical, thematic presentations.

She is also a regular seminar speaker, author/creator of over 30 products for the Christian children's worker and a veteran homeschooling mom of two.