How to Teach Your Children to Discern Good from Evil--Part 1
Children need to know how to discern the nature of good and evil. As a mother of six, I'm motivated to teach my children and grandchildren this skill. They're growing up in a culture that is basically contrary to God’s culture---constantly exposed to a world under the influence of the Prince of Darkness. How can I help them learn to discern between the good and evil they will encounter in this world?
Technology has sophisticated evil in a way not known in previous generations. School, internet activities, TV programs, and social networking all provide our children with opportunities to experience evil in creative new ways. Yet the works of darkness have been around for a very long time, blurring the lines that separate good morals and values from bad.
How Jesus knew the nature of good and evil
Jesus knew all about Satan, demons, evil works, and sin, but not from experiencing or studying these things. He knew all about evil and how to deal with it because he knew the Scriptures thoroughly—he was the Word of God who became human (see John 1:1 and John 1:14). Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus constantly quoted the Old Testament Scriptures.
Your family and the nature of good and evil
In the same way, my child will not to learn to recognize evil by compromising with it or studying it. He won’t learn to recognize the untruths in cults by learning all about the cults. My kid should be so saturated with truth from God’s Word that any false teaching will immediately strike a wrong cord within him, and his spirit will cry out “untrue!”God has not designed his children to be experts in evil by feeding on evil. He has designed us to be experts in discernment by knowing and obeying His Word.Tom and I homeschooled our kids and Bible was always one of our most important courses. In fact, we designed our Eternal Foundations for a New Generation series as a way to disciple our kids in the Word of God. It worked, as all six of our kids love the Lord.What are you doing to teach God’s Word to your kids? How has that helped them discern good from evil? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below. And, if you found this post helpful, please pass it on.
In Him together, Susan Gaddis