6 Tips For Encouraging Teens to Pursue God on Their Own

I remember when my husband and I started talking about having children. Each stage seems scariest when we are deep in the trenches for varying reasons. Lately, one of the most frightening stages I have begun realizing is the teen years.

When they are little, we are there for every tear, happy or otherwise. It is a hard thing to send our children out into the world. But as parents, we have the power to shape their journey, to prepare them for the world. And the best defense, protection, and love we can offer is that of God.

So, how do we, as parents, encourage teens to pursue God on their own?

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” Below are six tips to encourage teens to pursue God on their own. When implemented with a patient and loving heart, these tips can make a significant difference in your spiritual growth and that of your children.

Modeling

From the time those precious babies first play peek-a-boo, they watch you. And, just like the concept of object permanence, they will learn how to pursue God when you are not physically with them because they observe you.

Pray for them and with them. Read the Bible together. Share your favorite scriptures. Treat them with respect and compassion. Give them grace when they make mistakes and be quick to apologize for your own. Treat others with kindness. Find service projects that you can do as a family to help others.

Deuteronomy 32:46-47 (NIV) instructs us to take to heart the scripture and command children to obey carefully. The verses say that those words are not just idle but your life. Words are so important that they must be shared and modeled for children to understand their significance truly.

That said, if we want them to pursue God someday, we must begin by demonstrating how. New parents seem aware their young children are watching and listening to them. Even if it might not seem like it, it’s important to remember teens are listening and watching, too.

Prayer

A line in one of my favorite country music songs, “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins, describes the quintessential image of childhood innocence and prayer. “He crawled out of bed, and he got down on his knees. He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands, and spoke to God like he was talking to a friend.” This is the goal.

God desires this for all His children. This relates to setting an example. We can begin by conversing with God throughout the day—before meals and at bedtime. We can teach our children the Lord’s Prayer. When we are anxious, we can turn to God. If we do this in their presence and together with them, they will likely want to do it themselves.

Consider reading Colossians 4:2 (NIV) with your teen. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Family Bible Study

We have discussed reading the Bible in both the modeling and praying tips. Family Bible study offers the chance to look at scriptures mindfully together. It presents an opportunity to talk to your teen and to practice active listening with them at the same time.

1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV) demonstrates the significance of devotion to reading and teaching the scriptures. Read it with your teen and discuss why it is so important.

Talk about how to look up any concern they may have as a reference in the Bible. Teens might balk at lots of reading added to their daily homework, so this gives an option for bite-size Bible lessons that will come in handy for years to come.

Teach Gratitude

When we teach children gratitude, when we show it to them for something they have done, model it in our interactions with other adults, and in our prayers, we offer teens the chance to see Psalm 118:24 (NIV) in action.

Each new day is a gift and an opportunity to thank the Lord for all our many blessings.

Find a Church Home and Become Active Members

Acts 2:42 (NIV) is about the importance of fellowship between believers. Church is a great place to make friends and get kids involved in activities and service. Our circle of friends matters. Remember 1 Corinthians 15:33. “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

When we find a good church home and become active members, we can surround ourselves, as well as our teens, with like-minded people who share the same values. Having Christian friends encourages teens to pursue God independently, especially as they get older and are not always under our wing for protection.

Many Christians remember church teen youth groups as a fun, formative part of their lives. Encourage participation!

Be Their Safe Place

Adults make mistakes. Teenagers cannot be held to a higher standard than fully grown people, and they are less likely to know how to get themselves out of trouble.

Let them know from the time they are tiny that they can come to you with anything and that you will love them with your whole heart no matter what. Show them Christ’s love in your reactions, and when they are open, show them the scriptures that promise it.

When they know that they can go out on their own but still come to you in times of trouble, you show them in real-time that the Lord can be their refuge, just as it says in Psalms 9:9-10 (NIV)

The Pursuit of the Spirit

Our spiritual journey is not just a destination but a continuous path. When teens witness and experience the “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” of the fruit of the Spirit discussed in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) firsthand, we give them the best encouragement to pursue God on their own.