How do you teach your children about creation? We sometimes make this challenge more difficult than it really is. You don’t need a degree in science, and previous experience digging for fossils isn’t a requirement. Expertise in theology, a jaw-dropping testimony, or years of church service aren’t necessities. You simply introduce your child to the Creator of the universe.
Seek to lead your little one to the Lord at an early age. After they’ve become a believer, the Holy Spirit becomes their Helper, leading them to a deeper understanding in spiritual matters. He also helps you in teaching your children about their Creator.
Foster a sense of wonder. Let them experience the wonders of creation—take them to Grand Canyon, on nature walks, and to museums. Catch fireflies and stargaze. Give them relaxed environments full of unstructured time to explore and discover the majesty of God’s handiwork.
Provide an environment of curiosity—welcome the “what if” and “what about” and never-ending “why” questions. Don’t discourage them if you’re unsure of the answers. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know, but I know where to look. Let’s find out together!” Teach them where to go for answers, and establish the Bible as the ultimate authority. Don’t worry about the chicken or the egg questions—you’ve got this!
Equip yourself and your kids with biblical and scientific knowledge. ICR was established to help your family understand how science confirms the Bible. ICR offers resources to make your job easier: ICR.org, books, articles, DVDs, radio programs, and events. Learn the problems of evolution and become confident in what the Bible says about creation. As a parent, God has placed you in a strategic position in your child’s life. Your relationship with your child gives you a position of influence like none other on Earth. You can diminish the impact and even silence the voices from evolutionary sources.
Be a good ambassador of Christ in your home. Be kind. It’s easy to bark commands when you have limited sleep and a hectic schedule, but take the time to demonstrate respect for your children. When you are a good representative of Christ in the home—when you exhibit the love of Jesus—your children will most likely want to identify with you and the things you value. Examine how you treat your children. Do you treat them as worthy treasures, made in the image of God?
Take advantage of opportunities as they come up—the teachable moments. You have the advantage of being there for your child today. You can’t count on both of you being there tomorrow. My own dear mother went to be with the Lord a few weeks after my 20th birthday. I watched her take her last breath and felt sudden, smothering panic. And the silly thing that came to my mind in that tragic instant was that I forgot to ask her how to make her banana pudding. The need to know the recipe was, obviously, insignificant—but the longing to hold on to my mother was monumental. Along with the devastation of losing my best friend, I remember feeling the loss of everything she was and her wealth of experiences and wisdom—memories, stories of our heritage, knowledge from her education and experiences, her unique perspective on life, her presence, and her love. I can assure you, your child would feel the same devastating loss if you went to be with the Lord today. You are the keeper of their childhood and everything precious to them.
This Mother’s Day, embrace the privilege of being your child’s mother. Share what the Lord has poured into your life. Don’t miss the opportunities. Teach your child the wonders of creation and the sweetness of walking through life with their Creator.
* Jayme Durant is Director of Communications at the Institute for Creation Research.
