Do we teach our children about faith, or works?

I have been thinking on this for some time. I want to teach my children about faith in God, but often I find myself slipping into a works mentality. It is so easy to do, because it is so close to how we naturally think in our fallen state. The world values achievement and winning over everything else, while God values faith.

I want to live a life built on faith in God!

Living a life based on faith in God is so very important, not just for yourself, but for your children. They are watching you to see if what you say is true. Few of us have had good role models of faith from which to follow and learn from. (If you do, you are truly blessed!) Sadly, this is often missing from our experience.

When I think of good role models of faith, I think of Hebrews, Chapter 11. In this chapter, Paul gives us example after example of people, throughout history, with great faith in God. I am going to touch on a few high points, but it would be a blessing to your family if you spent some time studying this important chapter of the Bible.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:1-2 (KJV)

The people of Hebrews, Chapter 11, obtained a good report, not because of what they did, but because they believed God. They had faith in God’s promises. God’s word was enough for them to live their lives, doing God’s will. Faith gave them hope for things they could not see.The people of Hebrews, Chapter 11, obtained a good report, not because of what they did, but because they believed God. They had faith in God’s promises. God’s word was enough for them to live their lives, doing God’s will. Faith gave them hope for things they could not see.

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Romans 8:24-25 (KJV)

Here is the difference between pleasing God through faith or works. Works are something that you do because of your own ability. You can see it and touch it. Works can have an immediate reward; but when you fail in your works, you immediately fall into despair.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

The men and women of Hebrews, Chapter 11, were looking forward to the promise of God. The promise that God would send them a Saviour – someone to deliver them from their sins. We now know who this is. It is Jesus! Even with this knowledge, we must live by faith. We must trust what God has promised through His Son.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13 (KJV)

We too are strangers and pilgrims on the earth. We too, may die in our faith, not having received the promises. One day, all believers will be resurrected unto eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ. There are many who have gone on before us, trusting in God’s promises. One day there will be a happy reunion in heaven. But today, on earth, things are very different.

This is where our faith meets our children’s needs. There are so many things competing for the minds, hearts, and souls of our children. I can guarantee that if your children see a different life in your actions than what you speak, they will follow what you do.

Be a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth. Live a life believing in God’s promises. Look to the men and women of Hebrews, Chapter 11, as role models. Many are named here and many remain unnamed. Be an unnamed “hero of faith” to your children. They will follow what you do, because that is who you really are.

God bless, Mike