Like father, like son: How to pass faith to your children

My oldest daughter shares many of my traits. If you’ve ever spent time with me, you know the kind of uphill battle waiting for her in the social hierarchy of junior high. Please pray for her. My youngest daughter resembles me even more, so you know she will have a more difficult time than her sister. You should probably pray and fast for her. “Like father, like son” is a saying because it’s true. I’m sure you’ve noticed the same thing in your kids. From the moment they were born until today, you’ve seen aspects of yourself in who they are.

“Like father, like son” is a famous saying because it’s true.

Whether we are intentional about it or not, we pass on traits to our children. Our attributes—physical, emotional temperaments, values, and even the way we talk—will be features our kids inherit. One of the acquired aspects on that list is faith, and it should be at the top.

3 practical ways to pass faith to your children:

• PRAY WITH YOUR KIDS: Prayer is something we are taught. We learn it by watching and listening to others. Pick a time, every day if possible, to pray with your sons and daughters. Not sure where to start? Knowing how to pray for your kids is essential. Ask them how you can pray for them. Let them hear you talk to the LORD on their behalf. Teach them how to have conversations with their Creator.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

• TALK ABOUT GOD: Make sure the LORD is a common subject in your daily conversations. Around the dinner table, in the car, or while you’re just sitting around watching T.V. or playing games—talk about God. No need to force it or make it awkward. When something amazing happens—“The LORD really took care of us, didn’t He?” If something uncertain is on the horizon—“We need God’s guidance, let’s make sure we are praying about this.” Even if nothing is happening and it’s just an ordinary day—“You know I read something in the Bible today that I didn’t know was in there/that reminded me of you/that really stuck with me.” Talking about God reminds our kids that God is always with us, an active part of our everyday. It will make it easier for them to talk about God.

• SPEND TIME WITH GOD ON YOUR OWN: This may not seem like a great way to turn your kids’ hearts to the LORD, but it is probably the best way. When we spend time alone with God and His Word, we change. Time with God allows Him to speak truth into our hearts that transforms us from the inside out. He molds us into the image of Jesus. As we go through this sanctifying (church word meaning God makes us more like Jesus) process, every aspect of our lives becomes set apart for the LORD. Spending time with the Heavenly Father will make us better fathers.

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father (John 14:13)

How can we dads take action right now?

Let’s pick one of these steps to work on this week. Then next week, we’ll implement the other, and then the other after that. Whichever one we feel needs the most improvement in our lives, let’s take it on. If we put in the effort now, our children will grow to love God in all His glory.

Challenge: Be intentional about passing your faith to your children.