At what age should a father and son have the faith talk? Young fathers and aspiring dads may ask this as a desire to raise their children in a godly manner.
Before discussing the importance of telling children about God let’s see what the Bible says about faith.
Defining Faith
Old Testament Appearances
The first appearance of faith in scripture is not a formal definition. Rather, the term manifests through the actions of one man whose scripture considers righteous in a wicked generation.
Noah builds an Ark to preserve his family and specific animals from the first flood (Genesis 7:1-24). Genesis 15:6 counts Noah’s obedience as righteousness since he does everything God commands.
Another individual whose obedience proves his righteous character is Abraham. Abraham heeds the Lord’s instructions by going to a land where he will become the father of many nations (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:6).
Abraham also demonstrates faith by believing he will have a son at an old age (Genesis 17:16). These examples suggest Faith involves obeying God even though circumstances do not make sense from a human perspective.
Just think, Noah constructs the ark though unaware of a single raindrop. Additionally, Abraham leaves his home country without knowing his destination.
Furthermore, Abraham believes God’s promise about his son, though an old man.
Clarity from the New Testament Hall of Faith
Making these choices in 2024 will cause many people (even some Christians) to call you crazy. However, this craziness compels Dr. Tony Evans to define faith in a memorable way. “Faith is acting like it is so even when it’s not so in order that it might be so simply because God said so.”
Hebrews 11:6 supports Dr Tony Evan’s definition stating without faith it is impossible to please God. The verse then says we can please God by believing in his existence and diligently seeking him (Hebrews 11:6; NewKing James Version).
I love this verse for two reasons. First, the idea of diligently seeking him proves God is Not a distant creator who takes a laissez-faire approach to dealing with his creation. Instead, he is an intimate creator who loves to commune with humanity.
Second, they do not have to perform rigorous tasks or walk on eggshells to be acceptable to God. All they have to do is believe in him and obey his word.
Faith Involves Obedience Not Perfection
Obeying God’s word enables Noah and Abraham to be known as righteous men of faith. However, they are far from perfect.
Noah gets drunk after spending forty days on the ark. To make matters worse, he curses Canaan for Ham laughing at his nakedness (Genesis 9:20-27).
Abraham treats his wife Sarah no better as he lies to Abimelech saying she is his sister. Sarah and Abraham sin against God by not practicing patience while waiting for him to fulfill his promise (Genesis 16:1-4).
They consent to Abraham committing adultery with Hagar who gives birth to Ishmael. Ishmael’s existence leads to a divisive matter as Muslims believe he is Abraham’s promised seed.
This belief causes them to reject Jesus Christ’s divinity.
Nevertheless, believing God in significant moments allows sinful souls to be in the Hall of Fof Faith. Just turn to Hebrews 11 and ask
- The tricksters Jacob and Esau
- The murderer Moses
- The Prostitute Rehab
- Wayward Israel
- Self Reliant Sampson
- Complacent King David
Listing the flaws of individuals like King David could appear as an attempt to tarnish their reputation. However, references are meant to be an encouraging reminder.
Their transgressions should remind you that no father has to be perfect to give the faith talk.
The Importance of the Faith Talk
A Biblical Mandate for Parents and Children to Have the Faith Talk
While perfection is unnecessary, scripture encourages parents to raise their children in the fear of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:5-6 commands believers to love God with their entire being and keep his commands on their hearts. Once God’s commands capture their heart, parents must share them with their children.
This is how children will mature to love God with all their heart, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4).
While children can mature in their devotion to God, spiritual regression is also possible. Knowing this, fathers should raise and interact with their sons in ways that please God (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4).
If fathers choose not to raise godly sons, they may reject God out of rebellion or ignorance. Ignorance and rebellion will rob young men of the opportunity to abide by God’s standard for youth.
Did you know God expects all children to
- Remember God in their youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9 -12:7).
- Honor their parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3).
- Set an example for others (1 Timothy 4:12).
How can children do what the Lord desires if they are unaware of his expectations?
Competing Doctrines and Realities
Unfortunately, God’s expectations for children are not the only doctrine kids are learning. Some schools are teaching LGBTQIA+ doctrine to students as young as two years old.
One teacher says her students have seen the rainbow flag in places like the grocery store. This visibility made it easier for kids to accept this teaching as they were interested in learning the flag’s meaning.
In addition to learning LGBTQIA+ doctrine, kids are learning about various religions. This occurs as they have classmates from different backgrounds who are taught their beliefs at an early age.
For example, Muslims teach young kids the Word of Tawhid and other beneficial words at the age of three. By the time they are thirteen, Muslims teach their children the Quran and the five pillars of the faith.
As children learn about their beliefs, they cannot help but share this new knowledge with their friends. If kids don’t know the truths within the Christian faith, they’ll be enticed by what their friends practice.
Along with ensuring kids know Christian doctrine, parents must have the faith talk because their kids are going up in an evil world. According to CNN, there have been 49 school shootings in 2024. This can make attending school a scary thought for all families.
This reality suggests children need to know there is hope amid tragedy. This hope comes only when children know there is a God who can protect them from and provide comfort when tragedies occur.
When & How to Have the Faith Talk
Therefore, the faith talk should occur when a child is about four years old. Experts argue a four-year-old can grasp spiritual concepts. Preschool-age kids are also inquisitive as they have an interest in knowing how life works.
But how can you get your children to understand God is the mastermind behind all life? Awana suggests teaching kids about God’s loving, holy nature and their need to accept Jesus as their savior.
Focus On The Family also advises parents to use teachable moments. For example, you can use Halloween as an opportunity to share the Gospel by explaining why your family does not go trick-or-treating.
Along with explaining why your family does not participate in certain activities, you can also routine habits to start the faith talk. When it’s time to eat, teach them how to say grace and emphasize the importance of thanking God for all blessings.
Remember, children themselves are blessings from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-4; Common English Version). What better way to show gratitude for this gift than by talking to them about their heavenly father?
Do you have any advice for fathers who want to give the faith talk? Do you wish to share a personal experience with giving the faith talk? I’d love to hear your story. Thank you for your comments!
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