Your child has accepted Jesus—now what?
This is an exciting moment! When a child—your own or your grandchild—professes faith in Jesus Christ, it is evidence of the Spirit’s gracious work. It’s more than a sweet childhood decision; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship, rooted in God’s sovereign grace. Now begins the important work of guiding them in their faith and nurturing their spiritual growth.
Start with the truth—even when it’s hard.
The cross is not a light or sentimental topic. It’s painful and gruesome, but it’s essential. Children, in age-appropriate ways, need to understand what Jesus endured. The cross shows the depth of His love for them. He was beaten, crucified, and died so that we might live. This is the heart of the Gospel.
But the story doesn’t end there.
The resurrection is the glorious declaration of Christ’s victory. Jesus did not stay in the grave. He rose on the third day, just as He said He would. Victory over death and sin is secure in Him.
Because He lives, your child can live, with assurance of forgiveness, a new identity in Christ, and the unshakable hope of eternal life.
Encourage them to seek Jesus daily.
Faith is not a one-time event, but a daily dependence upon Jesus Christ. Teach your child to turn to Jesus in the everyday moments of life. Simple practices can help them seek Jesus daily:
- A short prayer in the morning.
- A Bible story before bed.
- Talking about the day and encouraging them to turn to Jesus with their fears, joys, and questions.
These aren’t boxes to check, but habits of grace—ways we train our hearts to abide in Christ. Remember, discipleship isn’t perfection. It’s about pointing to Jesus again and again.
Help them live with purpose.
Jesus not only saves us from sin, but He saves us for a new life. All of those united with Christ are called to be part of His mission. Your child has that same calling. They are called to be the light of Christ in the world and to go, make disciples. Encourage them to live their faith out loud:
- Be kind, not just to be nice, but because Christ has shown us mercy.
- Speak truth, even when it’s hard, because Jesus is truth.
- Pray for others, including their peers, and ask God to use them to show His love.
God delights to use even the smallest voices to declare His glory. God can do anything through a willing heart.
Let your life be an example.
Children are watching, not just listening. They learn faith not only from instruction but by imitation. Your example, imperfect but sincere, teaches them that following Jesus is not just something we talk about, but something we live.
Let them see you:
- Read the Bible because it nourishes your soul.
- Pray with honesty, even when you’re struggling.
- Repent, forgive, serve, and keep seeking Jesus with your whole heart.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be real. When your walk with Jesus is visible, it becomes something they can see as possible for themselves.
Nurture their faith.
Your child’s profession of faith is not the finish line, it’s the starting line. God has begun a good work in them, and it’s one He will bring to completion (Philippians 1:6). Your role is to come alongside them to shepherd and disciple them in truth and love.
Celebrate what God has done, and keep pointing them back to the Gospel, again and again. Help them see the Christian life is not about earning God’s favor, but living in response to the finished work of Christ on the cross.
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14
Jesus is alive. He is with your child. And He wants to use their life to display the richness of His grace. May that truth shape how you lead, encourage, and walk with them every day.
Darkest Night Brightest Day
A Family Devotional for the Easter Season
Marty Machowski’s book, Darkest Night Brightest Day, shows how Jesus’ resurrection turned the world upside down and right side up. Families begin this devotional on Palm Sunday with the first side, Darkest Night. These seven stories depict the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion, when “there was darkness over the whole land” (Luke 23:44b). But that is not the end of the story! Flip the book over on Easter morning and continue reading Brightest Day.
These seven stories recount Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost. Machowski provides discussion questions (and answers) for parents of preschool and school-aged children. Illustrated by Phil Schorr, this beautiful book will become a treasured Easter favorite as a reminder of how God turned the darkest night into the brightest day.
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