Teaching Your Children to Be Friends With God

David and Jonathan, of Bible fame, were best buds.other person.
They probably spent a lot of time together runningAsk your kids what are some ways they "hang out"
around King Saul's castle getting into all kinds ofwith their friends. They might say skateboarding or
mischief. Later in their lives this friendship was greatlyswimming. Then ask them what are some ways they
tested. I Samuel 18 - 20 tells us of this amazingcould "hang out" with Jesus. They might say praying or
relationship.reading His Word.
Friendship is very important to kids. They know verySome other ways your children can get to know
well by the elementary years what it means to fit inJesus more can include drawing a picture just for Him.
with the crowd and what it means to be left out. AtMaybe they could try and write a little worship song
this age friendships can end just as quickly as theygiving Him praise. Memorizing a Scripture is another
begin. The friendship of David and Jonathan is a goodgreat way to get to know God.
example for your kids to examine and hopefully putFinally, give them a "commitment card" on which they
into practice in their own lives.will write down one way they will spend time with
After sharing the highlights of chapters 18 - 20 of IJesus this week. Bless them with some kind of treat
Samuel, remind your kids that just as David andor reward for honoring their commitment and repeat
Jonathan were faithful to each other, Jesus will bethe process next week. Now ask yourself how you
faithful in His friendship with them. But in order for awill "hang out" with Jesus.
relationship to grow, you've got to spend time with the