Homeschooling parents are used to answering the many questions our children have each day. Some questions are easy to answer with a simple Google search. Other are a bit more complex and don’t have a black and white answer.
This is especially true of some of the theological questions our children have. There are concrete facts in the Bible, and there are things that are more conceptual.
The latter needs to be addressed according to the child’s ability to process information, In 1 Corinthians 3:2 the Apostle Paul says, “ I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.” Just as Paul took into consideration the maturity level of the believers he was addressing, we as parents need to do the same as we instruct our children on spiritual things.
Answering Common Questions
There are some common questions that are bound to be addressed during your child’s life. The Biblical truth that you present doesn’t change as your children grow and mature, but your response will according to their level of academic and spiritual maturity.
Here is the most common question children ask, and appropriate responses, based on the child’s maturity level:
Why does God allow people to die?
● Preschoolers are completely unable to comprehend the concept of death. They are just beginning to understand separation. For instance, grasping the concept that when Daddy goes to work, he comes back. Trying to explain the permanency of death would be difficult, as preschoolers have no concept of time. They do understand feeling sad, and we can explain to them that when we are sad, God is sad and He can comfort us. You can also talk about how when people who love the Lord pass away, they get to go to Heaven.
● An Elementary aged child is beginning to understand the concept of death and often will become insecure and worry that they or those close to them will die. Explain that when a person that loves the Lord dies, they are in Heaven with Jesus, even if we can’t see them anymore. Lay out the plan of salvation for your child. At this age, children can begin to comprehend the sacrifice that Jesus made so that people have the chance to be forgiven and go to Heaven when they die.
● Preteens and teens can go in depth and learn that God never intended for us to die. You can build on the teaching on salvation you gave when they were younger and go more in depth as to how physical death came into the world. This is a good time to talk about trusting the Lord, even when we don’t understand His ways.
As you can see, it is important to give the child enough information to satisfy their curiosity, but we have to remember to consider the child’s maturity level and spiritual maturity level when we respond so that we don’t confuse them or talk above their heads.
As your children get older, teach them to study the Bible for themselves and see what it says. Giving our children the ability to study the Word of God, and find truth on their own is one of our greatest responsibilities and privileges as parents.
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