Have you ever wondered how individuals are introduced to church and to God? I have concluded that family is our first introduction to church, and this is where beliefs, whether good, bad or indifferent, are not only taught in the home, but lived. I have friends that, at a very early age, believed that God was a God of bondage, lack, poverty, toiling, hard labor, sickness, and no peace. They grew up in homes where God was seen as a king, carrying a big stick, ready to hit you over the head if you messed up, and someone you could never talk to. What an awful view of God. Can you relate?

Their image of God was tainted at a very early age. They were taught that God only loved a select few people, and everyone else was not worthy. This defined love for them. Some were even told that their denomination was the only one that was going to heaven, and that everyone else who did not believe what they believed would go to an ever-burning hell.

These false truths have been taught to many at a very early age, and it causes us to look at God as a mean, heartless God who was ever so ready to send everyone to hell if they got out of line.

You see, as parents define who God is, they are setting the stage for how their children will know God. Looking back at how they were introduced to God and church, I can see how a child could have a false notion of God, magnified x 100. They were told to never question what they believed, because it showed signs of disobedience. They were shown in the Bible that children are to obey their parents.

One of my friends told me of how her parents secluded themselves and their children from society. It was further drilled into her head that everyone else was wrong in their beliefs, and they were right. “They didn’t want us tainted by the world,” she told me. Children learn not only by what we say, but also by what we do. As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” After hearing some of my friends’ stories, I began to acknowledge my own upbringing and introduction to “the Church.” I had to admit that I too had to search for the truth of who God is and come to terms with some false teaching that was taught to me.

Not until years later, when I was an adult, did I begin my search for the truth, and I learned the truth about God and how much he loves each of us, no matter what we believe, no matter the denomination, no matter what religion we have. God is a God of love and compassion. He is always looking for ways to bless us and have mercy on us.

We have to be very careful how we share the truth of who God really is and what He is like to our children. Children get their first real introduction to “the Church” and “God” from us. Therefore, it is our responsibility to provide a nurturing environment where healthy conversations about church and God are encouraged. They should not be told, “do as I say, and not as I do.” This fosters confusion and resentment, which can lead to children believing that God does not want us coming to Him and asking Him questions. God welcomes us to come to Him to seek the truth.

Question: What kind of God are you introducing your children and your family to?

The article was written by Marquetta Smith, Executive Director of Safe Harbor International Ministries