3. Let them wonder.
Don’t let preteens pull out their personal internet devices to find answers. The danger in instant gratification? Kids never have the opportunity to simply be and wonder.
Giving kids a question and then letting them think creatively about it will stretch them. It’ll even rewire those brain connections they may have lost through our “wiki society.”
We see examples throughout Scripture. Psalmists wondering at creation, disciples in awe of Christ, and crowds struggling to comprehend God’s power in healing. Each time, faith grew as people were stretched.
So let’s allow space and time for kids to wonder about God. Then encourage them to use what they know of Him through His Word to draw conclusions. It’ll increase their confidence in God’s Word—and solidify what they know to be true about God.
4. Turn the mirror around.
Our culture encourages people to “show themselves” rather than “know themselves.” It’s critical that we use truths from God’s Word to turn the mirror around. The Bible shows preteens their identity in Christ. And it also shows how their relationship with Christ reflects their own identity.
For example, kids can see themselves in how God freed His people from slavery. They can identify situations in their own lives when they’ve felt bullied or enslaved. Then they can find freedom because of their relationship with God.
When preteens hear about Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead, they know the care Christ has for kids their age. And they can stand confidently in that.
When kids know that Jesus died for them to change their identity from one known by their sins to one known by God? Then they can’t help but see themselves as children of the Most High King.
As we teach preteens through God’s Word, we establish it as truth. This gives them the confidence to understand it and see themselves in it. I believe we’ll see a generation with identities shaped not by what the world “likes,” but by Christ’s love.
This article by Courtney Wilson was originally published on ChildrensMinistry.com, © Group Publishing, Inc.
