Thanks to shelter-in-place orders, family dinnertime has returned for many Americans. In this unique season, parents have a tremendous opportunity to disciple their children around the table each evening. Not sure where to start? Here are three dinner conversations to have with your children this week.
1. All Life Matters
Why did everything from church to Chick fil-A have to close its doors for the last two months? The short answer is: because of life.
You’ve likely had lots of conversations about the virus and the difficult choices our leaders have had to make because of its contagious nature. But, have you talked about life?
Guide your children in a conversation about the sanctity of life. Talk to them about how life begins at conception. Talk to them about how all lives””from young to old, from able-bodied to those with disabilities””matter. And encourage them to see the beauty in all people, including those that don’t match our culture’s definition of beauty.
Also, don’t be afraid to have age-appropriate conversations about abortion. It’s a word that’s better heard first and explained from parents than from Netflix, YouTube, or friends from school. Ask your children what they know and think about it. And engage teens and pre-teens in conversations about how they can become beacons of light to friends who face unplanned pregnancies.
2. Abundant Life Matters Most
What a tremendous opportunity we have as parents to engage our children in conversations about spiritual matters. Yes, life matters in our culture. But, many are alive yet not fully living. It’s only Jesus who gives us abundant life””the kind of life that leads to joy, peace, and rest.
Teaching your children about abundant life means teaching them about the value of God’s design for the family. Talk to your children about marriage and what the Bible says about this institution.
Another part of abundant life is discipleship. Chances are, your children have been out of church for a while. Now is a great opportunity to disciple your children. Ask them what they believe about Jesus and spiritual matters. Engage them with questions. Read the Bible together. Teach them what you believe. This is one way that faith has been passed down through generations.
3. You Can Make A Difference
Finally, it’s important to teach our children that they can make a difference. Even when Netflix shows refute every truth they’ve ever learned, tell them it’s okay to stand up for what they believe. Teach your children that standing up for life is always the right thing to do. Model for them what it means to support the pro-life movement by praying for local pregnancy centers, sending a donation to Care Net, or personally helping a couple in your church who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Parents, by discipling your children, you can make a difference not only in their lives but in the next generation of pro-life advocates.