How do I raise kids who actually WANT to follow Jesus not just go through motions

1d ago1 min read

I grew up in a house where church was obligation. We went every Sunday, I got confirmed, all the boxes were checked. But faith never stuck with me until I had kids and realized I didn't want to pass that hollow stuff down to them. Now I'm trying to show them that loving Jesus actually changes how you treat people, how you handle failure, how you see others. But how do you make that real for them? How do you show them it's not about rules but about a relationship with God? I want my kids to choose faith not because I force it but because they see it transform their dad.

7 comments133 views

Comments(7)

JJosh M.Regular1d ago

Real talk, I think it's about living it yourself more than forcing it on them. My kids see when I actually pray or think about my faith, not just on Sundays. That authenticity matters way more.

TTylerNew Dad1d ago

This is tough stuff to figure out as a dad. For us it's been less about rules and more about having actual conversations with the kids about why faith matters to us personally. The twin boys especially respond to realness.

DDerek T.Regular1d ago

Man, this hits home. I grew up the same way and I'm trying to do better with my kids. Letting them ask questions and actually explore faith instead of just checking boxes has made a difference for us.

SSteveRegular11h ago

My parents did the same obligation church thing and I rebelled hard the second I could. I want my kids to choose it if they're gonna do it. Let them ask the questions instead of just telling them what to believe.

RRick M.Regular7h ago

This is the real question though. Growing up mine was the same, just box checking. With my kids I'm trying to actually talk about what faith means instead of just making them go sit in a pew. Still figuring it out honestly.

FFelix R.Regular3h ago

That's tough because you don't want to force it but you also want to pass something on. I think the answer is living it out yourself though more than anything you can say.

JJasonRegularjust now

Maybe start by making faith stuff actually interesting instead of boring? Like doing service projects together instead of just sitting through sermons. Kids need to see why it matters in real life.