Today many children are learning the devil is nothing more than a make-believe story character. Unfortunately, those who believe this are very mistaken. I believe children need to know truth as is appropriate for their age and maturity. Satan doesn’t wait until our children are older to torment them with his wicked ways. I believe we as parents have an obligation to do spiritual battle for our children through prayer as well as equip them as necessary to stand up during those moments of temptation we aren’t aware of.
When I was six years old, I asked my Grandma if Satan was real and she told me that he was. She also told me that God is more powerful and if I felt tempted, I could say, “Leave me alone in Jesus’ name,” and the devil would have to flee. I felt empowered some by the “tool” Grandma gave me. Though still pretty young, I was much more aware of God than given credit for.
I pray for my children daily, for God’s guidance, protection and watchfulness over them, as well as their minds while asleep. I know my children are not exempt from the troubles of this world, but I figure it won’t hurt to ask God to keep evil from crossing their path. My kids may not know what to ask God for right now in the way of their current circumstances, development or their future, but I have a good sized list. When my husband and I see our boys struggling, we pray. We both know we aren’t always going to be there to fight their battles so it’s important we provide them with “tools”, teaching them what the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare. Here are some scriptures that you might find helpful as the Lord leads you to share with your children.
- “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
- “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
- “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
- “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
- “My little children, these things I write to you, so you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)
It’s so important to help your child identify what it is that’s going on whether they’re being tempted, or have sinned. Though it may be true children naturally experience certain phases during their development such as “creative storytelling” (and I do mean lying) or “excessive self-assertion” (whether it’s covetousness or pride), it does not mean that the behaviors are always okay. I believe part of weaning sinful nature in general means first recognizing what it is. After this, they may be able to prevent it from happening.
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
Scriptural reference is quoted from the NKJV.