Don Stewart :: How Can We Help Children Develop Their Spiritual Gifts?

How Can We Help Children Develop Their Spiritual Gifts?

Are All Spiritual Gifts Active Today? – Question 18

For the parent there is no responsibility greater than that of training a child. The Bible says that we should train up a child in a godly way.

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray (Proverbs 22:6 NRSV).

One of the ways we can do this is to help them discover and use the spiritual gifts that God has given to them.

Even Children Have Spiritual Gifts

It is important to understand how spiritual gifts can be developed among children. The Bible makes it clear that every believer has a spiritual gift. Peter wrote.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10 NASB).

This includes children who have believed in Jesus Christ. Consequently, there are a number of things that we can do.

Teach Them about Spiritual Gifts

First, children should be taught about the subject of spiritual gifts. This should come from their parents or Sunday school teachers; preferably the parents.

The easiest way to teach children about the various gifts of the Spirit is by reading the passages in Scripture which speak of these gifts (1 Corinthians 12–14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4). After reading the passage, the parent should then sit down with the child and explain the meaning and function of each of these spiritual gifts. This will be a good lesson for the parents as well as the children.

Provide Examples of People Exercising the Gifts

Children not only should be taught what gifts are available, they should be shown examples of people who use the various gifts. Indeed, an example of a mature Christian exercising his or her spiritual gift is a wonderful way to illustrate what the gifts are as well as how they can be used.

Help Them Discover and Develop Their Gifts

Once children understand the nature of the gifts of the Spirit parents should help them discover which particular gift they have. This can occur by allowing them to participate in various Christian activities. These activities, whether performed at home or at church, can help children discover and develop their own unique place in the service of Christ.

The Key Is Encouragement

The key is that parents keep on with the encouragement of the development of spiritual gifts that have been given to their children. Children should be encouraged, not discouraged, from using the gifts God has given them.

These are some of the things we can do to help our children develop the gifts which the Lord has given to them. Parents should realize their responsibility in introducing the subject of spiritual gifts to their children.

Summary – Question 18
How Can We Help Children Develop Their Spiritual Gifts?

Christian parents have the responsibility to raise their children in a godly way. This includes helping them discover and develop their spiritual gifts. There are a number of ways in which we can help children develop their spiritual gifts.

To begin with, parents must teach their child about the spiritual gifts. This can occur in a number of ways. First, the passages which list the various spiritual gifts should be read, preferably aloud, by either the parent or the child. Then the parent should take the time and explain each spiritual gift to the child. This will be a good exercise for both the parent and the child.

Next, the parent should find examples of godly men and women who are exercising their spiritual gifts. Showing children these people at work in the ministry will give them a better idea as to how their gifts can be used.

Third, the parent must help the child discover his or her gift. The child should participate in various church activities in which their gifts can be discovered and developed.

Finally, the parent must continually encourage the child. This is crucial. While each of us needs encouragement as we seek to follow the Lord this is especially true of children. Indeed, it is the responsibility of parents to always encourage their children to walk in the ways of the Lord.

These are some of the way in which we can help our children develop their spiritual gifts. Parents should take this responsibility seriously.