‘I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord .’ Psalms 40:1-3(NLT)
There is no denying that culture and church play a major role in the developmental life of any person. But the role parents play in their children’s lives far outweighs any other influence. What parents believe and how they live out their beliefs (positively or negatively) has a huge impact on their children.
You see, parents are the key. Parents are the most influential and most powerful force in a child’s life. Nothing can compare to the love a mother has for her children. Nothing comes close to the security and wisdom a father provides for his children.
When parents strive to model a pattern of Christianity to their millennial children, those children are far more likely to follow in their parents’ footsteps. There is no one more powerful and uniquely qualified to do this than mom and dad. There is nothing more compelling and persuasive than a parent living out his or her faith with great boldness and conviction.
However, parents must be willing to step up and step out to assume their spiritual roles in the lives of their millennial children. The family is central to the spiritual formation of any child (regardless of the age); but if parents lack the passion and drive to live it and teach it, then the world will ultimately shape our children. (You don’t want that, and neither do we.)
These are critical times for millennials. And that’s why it is so vitally important that you stay invested in their lives. They need you now more than ever. And remember, you are not alone in this situation. Find other parents who share your concerns. Speak up at church. Surround yourself with a support group of like-minded parents committed to helping each other work through these challenging times together.
from How To Help Your Millennial Return To Faith by Jason Jimenez