Although the logic is highly flawed, the truth is when we hear that yet another disaster has happened, most of us wonder what part, if any, God had in it. Did he do it? Did he allow it? Why didn’t he prevent it? People in the media know that we wonder. Ever notice that when disaster strikes and some preacher somewhere seems to say, “God did it” it becomes front page news.

If we wonder, then what do we say to our children when they sit with us and see the TV images of rescue workers pulling damaged or dead humans from the aftermath? What do we say when they hear the report that Reverend so-and-so said God sent the killing blow?

The purpose of this blog is to provide parents with a little help giving their kids a basic, uncomplicated, Biblical explanation. Below is a break down of some key points that are involved in the bigger issue. They’re meant to be talking-points that you can print out and discuss with your kids.

1. Just because it happened doesn’t mean God came up with the idea or even approved of it. James 1:13 says,

“And remember that anyone who wants to do wrong should never say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either.”

If your child got beaten up at school you would never say, “I wonder what God was trying to teach you?” That bully was sinning and God simply had nothing to do with it. James goes on to say that evil desires are the cause of sin and its effects.

The Bible also teaches that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7), meaning that many things that happen in our lives aren’t a result of God’s intervention, but of our choices and actions. The book of Proverbs teaches that a lazy man will have difficulty getting ahead in life (Proverbs 6:6 – 11). None of us would be silly enough to tell a lazy person that God was causing him to go without. No, we’d politely ask him how the job hunting was going.

The Bible also records that the devil temped Jesus and stirred up wicked people against Paul, and that Jesus set people free who were possessed by demons. God did not author these things, the devil did. (Luke 11:14 – 20, John 10:10)

These and many other Biblical examples show us that things happen in this world and in our lives daily that aren’t authored by God.

2. We live in a broken world. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the world with all its devastating effects. The Bible teaches that not only was man affected, but so was the actual creation.

“For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subject to God’s curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:19 – 22 NLT)

Our planet is broken and being further diminished as time goes by, by death and decay.

Jesus and his disciples were caught in a storm so fierce that the disciples thought they were all going to die. Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and all was calm. Jesus wasn’t bothered by the storm nor did he say it had anything to do with God. The storm was against them, not for them and Jesus took care of it. (Matthew 8:23 – 27)

The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked in a storm (Acts 27). He was a prisoner and was being taken to Rome. He warned the ship’s captain that if they set sail they would be shipwrecked, but he didn’t listen. Afterwards, Paul told the crew that they should have listened to him and not set sail. Yes, God ended up using the circumstances (Romans 8:28) to bring salvation to the crew, and to the people on the island of Malta, but he didn’t send the storm.

Jesus talked about a tragedy that happened in his time (Luke 13:1 – 5). A tower fell on eighteen men and killed them. The Jewish people believed that when tragedy struck it was God’s judgement. Jesus contradicted that belief and said that their deaths were not directly caused by their sins. In other words, God didn’t do it.

Jesus told us something interesting about famines and earthquakes when he was talking about the things that were to happen before his return.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pangs. (Matthew 24:7, 8 NIV)

Jesus said that these things would come, but he didn’t say that they were sent by God. He said they were like the contractions a woman first has that signals that the baby is on the way. It’s interesting that Paul used the same picture as Jesus did when he was talking about creation being subject to the curse in Romans eight, “...all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth…”

• It’s estimated that an earthquake registering 7 or more happens somewhere in the world every three weeks, and moderate ones every three days. Each day on our planet, seismographs register almost 300 earthquakes of magnitude three or greater.
• The planet experiences an estimated 16 million storms annually and about 80 tropical cyclones, one-third of which achieve hurricane status.
• There are 500 active volcanoes worldwide. There are about 60 major volcanic eruptions annually, and two or three of those are huge and violent.
• There are between 100 – 150 extreme floods annually, worldwide.

It would be biblically and logically silly for us to conclude that God actively ’caused’ each of these natural occurrences. The earth is out of whack because of the curse that resulted from original sin, and the birth pangs will continue until Jesus returns and makes us a new one.

3. Humankind plays a part. Some recent court cases have challenged that a disaster was an ‘Act of God’ because there was good reason to speculate that man’s activities were the direct cause. Here’s what Wikipedia says in their article about ‘Act of God’:

“Recently, human activities have been identified by engineers as root causes of events until now considered natural disasters. In particular: – water pressure in dams releasing geological fault (earthquake in China) – geothermal injections of water provoking earthquakes (Zurich, Switzerland, 2003 – currently on trial).”

Hurricane Katrina was one of the deadliest hurricanes in US history. The damage and loss of life was huge and awful. However, the biggest loss of life occurred in New Orleans which flooded because the levee system failed.

Here’s another thing to consider. Through the centuries, certain areas have been wiped out by floods or volcanoes or earthquakes multiple times. It seems we have short memories. Once the pain of the devastation is gone, we go back to the side of the volcano, or to the unstable earth that moved violently under the earthquake, or to the area known for it’s hurricanes and we rebuild betting (I suppose) that it won’t happen again in our lifetime. At least now, in many places, building codes are being upgraded to help more people survive in areas that are prone to disaster. However, it’s hard to blame God when we keep building our homes on the proverbial sand, something Jesus said was unwise.

Many have asked if God had anything to do with what happened on 911 in New York. That answer is easy; the men who were responsible, committed mass murder which is sin. Again the book of James clearly tells us that God does not sin nor does he tempt (cause) people to sin. Nine-eleven was the result of man’s hate and/or misguided intentions, not God’s judgement. We would never say that a suicide bombing in Afghanistan that killed three innocents was orchestrated by God. So why would we say that God orchestrated the attack on the towers in New York?

4. God’s voice in judgement is clear. There are many examples of God’s judgement in the Bible. These judgements have several similarities that we can learn from. First of all, they serve as examples. Secondly, God clearly revealed his intent and purpose for them. Next, the righteous were always spared. Finally, they had more to do with his intervention to keep his plan for humankind on track than they did the individuals or cities or nations involved.

The natural disasters of today do not fit the Biblical pattern for God’s judgement. They cannot serve as an example without a clear message from God, that he’s involved and why.  There have been no clear messages from God in regards to these disasters. God’s a good communicator, so one guy in a church meeting somewhere who thought God showed him that God was going to judge New York or New Orleans, doesn’t cut it. Also, in all of these natural disasters, the Christians (the righteous) aren’t (as a whole) set apart and spared. God knows the difference between the righteous and the wicked; a birth pang from a broken planet does not. Finally, God’s plan for mankind is on track; the gospel is being preached throughout the world and disciples for Christ are being raised up. We are heading towards Jesus’ second coming with God being patient, not wanting any to perish (2 Peter 3:9). These events are the birth pangs Jesus spoke of, not specific judgements by God.

Jesus talked about the cities in his time being judged. However, he was clear that the judgment would take place in the final judgment when he returned. (Matthew 10:15, 11:20 – 24, 12:38 – 42)

Jesus also told a parable about the Kingdom, known as ‘The Wheat and The Weeds.’ In it he says that the wheat (the righteous) and the weeds (the wicked) are to be allowed to grow together until the final judgment, and then they would be separated. (Matthew 13:24 – 30)

5. God is speaking to the world today through his Son.

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1, 2 NIV)

God’s message to today’s world is one of God’s love, grace, and salvation through Christ. Peter tells us that he’s being patient, stalling off the final judgment because he wants all to come to salvation. The gospel only contains two mentions of judgment. The first one happened on the cross; the world was judged for it’s sins (John 12:30) and Jesus paid the penalty. Secondly, we will all be judged at the end of this age by how we responded to what Jesus did.

I’m not saying that God cannot or will not judge when and how he sees fit, however, he has revealed his plans to us already, and those plans are to speak to the world in this age with the Gospel message, not with judgment.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16, 17 NIV)

6. A Kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Some of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time said that the only reason he could cast out demons was because the devil gave him the power to. Jesus pointed out how absurd this was by using common logic.

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ”Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? (Matthew 12:25, 26)

When disaster strikes, two things happen; the survivors cry out to God and the compassionate run to help. If you talk to survivors of a major disaster you’ll find that people don’t call out to God because they think he’s judging them. They call out because they feel so small and vulnerable and they instinctively call on the only one they know can help. Christians who hear about the disaster respond with prayer, money, help and kindness. The earth pangs, and God and his people start loving and helping.

Forgive me for the simple logic, but I’m following Jesus’ example here. If God was punishing New York or New Orleans or Haiti, would he be there to help afterwards? Does he destroy so he can then build up. Even God’s Kingdom can not survive if it’s divided against itself. When God judged cities in the Old Testament there was nothing left to clean up. No people were sent to help, and the last minute prayers of those judged did not result in rescue.

The earth pangs because it’s fallen and subject to the curse. When it pangs big time we are all reminded of our frailty and our need for God’s help. Then we, as Christians, have yet another opportunity to reach out and show those affected by it, God’s love.

When sharing these things with your children, be careful to deal with their fears. The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is holding everything together until the last day (Hebrews 1:3) so there’s no need to be afraid that the whole planet will fall apart. If you live in an area that is prone to some kind of natural disaster, educate yourself and your kids as to what to do when trouble strikes and follow local instructions for safeguarding your family and for being prepared. Most importantly, pray with your children and ask God for his protection and then thank him for his protection. We live in a fallen world, but God has promised that he will help us through when we trust him (Psalm 91).

Natural disasters are not ‘Acts of God’. When our children understand this, it’s much easier to trust him through a disaster if they ever need to. If a child is taught that God is causing the destruction all around them, it’s hard to trust him. However, if they can picture the Lord right there beside them, helping them through something that he did not cause, and does not want them to be hurt by, it’s much easier to trust.

If our experience is not what God wants it to be, it is because of our unbelief in the love of God, in the power of God and in the reality of God’s promises. (Andrew Murray)

Here are two renditions of a portion of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-12) with very different perspectives on who God is. They are not meant to be a theological exploration of the meaning of the words in their original Greek. Rather, they illustrate that how we pray and what we expect from our relationship with God will reflect who we – and our children – believe God is, and what we believe him to be like.

“Our perfect, caring, and loving Father, who is in heaven – a place that reflects your character, a place that is wonderfully beautiful, where there is nothing sad or evil, only happiness, love, peace, and joy. May your name be honored because you are so great and so good that everyone should know you and experience your love. Let your awesome and perfect kingdom, full of right and happiness, come here on earth and set people free to be with you and to be loved by you. Let your will for the perfect peace, happiness, and complete fulfillment of your people be done here on earth just like it is now where you are in heaven – that beautiful place where your people know you, are like you, love each other perfectly, and enjoy everything you’ve made for them. Please meet our needs today and take care of us as you always do so wonderfully. Forgive us our mistakes and imperfections as we receive your grace to grow, and as we love, accept, and forgive the people you’ve so wonderfully placed in our lives….”

“Our all-seeing Father, who is far away in heaven. Holy and beyond what we can understand or relate to is your name. Your kingdom come, to squash all who refuse to obey you. Your will be imposed on everyone, like it is in heaven, where everyone finally has to be perfect. Please give us some bread today, so we don’t starve. (I don’t want to bother you with more than that.) Please forgive me my sins (don’t let me end up in the hot place) as I forgive the rotten sinners around me….”

It’s crucial: We must teach our children who God is, what he’s like, and what he is willing to do for them. That will affect how they pray. If our children don’t believe that God loves them, or if they somehow get the idea that he is always judging them to see if they measure up, the mechanics of prayer will not matter; the relationship and results won’t come. We need to teach them who God is and that he acts according to his character.

Three truths we can teach our children are: God loves them (1 John 4:16), is trustworthy (Psalm 9:10), and will forgive if they do something wrong (1 John 1:9). God is not a formidable judge; He’s a loving tutor who understands our weaknesses, loves us completely, will always encourage us beyond our failures, and will never give up on us.

God created us to be in relationship with himself. He wants us to know him, know what he is like, and receive his love.

When our children really understand who God is and what he’s willing to do for them, they won’t have a problem building a relationship with God and getting their prayers answered.

Here are two key verses that focus on the great love God has for us that you can read with your kids.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

(photo by vaniadasilva)

The best way to explain to our children how God answers or doesn’t answer their prayers is to draw a simple parallel between their asking us for things and their asking God for things.

There are basically three answers children can anticipate when asking parents for something: yes, which may come with some stipulation or adjustment to the original request; no, which is usually accompanied by one or more good reason; and maybe, the category that most parental responses fall into.

• Our children make certain requests of us with the expectation of getting a yes answer – requests for things that they basically already know our will on. For instance, if we always let them have friends over on the weekend, let them watch a certain television show, allow them to have a snack at a certain time, or take them out for lunch after church, they’d anticipate a yes.
• Then there are requests that our kids fully expect to get a no answer to. For example, if it’s an established family rule that we don’t have friends over on school nights, or that no one turns the TV on until homework is done, or that a big bowl of ice cream after school isn’t an acceptable snack, then if our kids asked us if we’d consider making an exception, they’d anticipate a no.
• Finally, there are a whole lot of requests that our children make of us that have no predetermined answer: Nothing in the past would help our kids anticipate with any certainty what our answer might be. They know that the answer could be either yes or no, depending on what kinds of things we consider in the decision-making process. For example, if a go-cart track had opened up a few miles from home and our children’s friends had gone there and had a great time, our children might well ask us to take them there. If they knew that we often took the family out on special outings similar to this, they’d have reason to hope for a yes, although they couldn’t be sure. After all, there might be factors that they’re not aware of that would cause us to say no or not yet – factors such as the family budget, other plans for the weekend, or safety concerns.

This parallel holds true when our children request things from God. There are many things outlined in the Bible that God has already said he’ll either give us or agree to. For example, God has told us again and again that he’ll meet our basic needs – needs for food, clothing, shelter, and so on. And we know that he has instructed us, for our own good, to follow his principles – but he has also said that he’ll help us learn to follow those principles. So if we ask God to help us always tell the truth or be a better friend, or learn to say only kind things, or control our anger, we know that the answer is predetermined: it’s yes. We’ll call these prayers “yes prayers.”

There are many yes prayers outlined in the Bible. As we’ve discussed, the Bible helps us know who God is, what he’s like, and what he’s willing to do. That’s why getting to know and read our Bible is essential for developing a strong prayer life and a close relationship with God. As we get to know the Bible better, we’ll know more about what we can ask God for and anticipate a yes.

But there are also requests to which we can anticipate receiving a definite no from God, as the Bible shows. We’ll call these requests “no prayers.” For example, the Bible says that God is love and that we’re to forgive people who wrong us. Understanding that, we know that if we get really made at someone and pray that god will punish him or her on our behalf, the answer will be no.

The majority of things that our children talk to God about fall into the same category as the majority of things they talk to us about: they’re prayers that might get a yes answer or might get a no answer: We’ll call them “maybe prayers.” Occasionally the parallel breaks down here, unfortunately, because we’re less than perfect as parents. Our children may ask us for something that’s actually perfectly reasonable. Thinking just of them, we should give a yes answer, but the answer becomes no because to grant the request would greatly inconvenience us, or perhaps we’re just too tired to do the work required of a yes response.

Whenever our children ask God for something reasonable and there’s no reason that they shouldn’t have it, the answer will be yes. But as in the go-cart example, there are many times that a maybe prayer receives a no answer or a not yet answer from God because he knows the bigger picture: he knows how the answer will affect us, he knows our life schedule, and he knows whether a yes answer to this request would take us in the wrong direction. He knows what’s good for us and what isn’t, and what’s safe and what isn’t. God hears and responds to every one of our maybe prayers, but we need to help our children realize that he answers according to his greater knowledge of who we are, where we are, and where we’re going. But we can always be sure that his answer is in our best interest.

At some point your children might wonder; If all of this is true, then why pray? Why not just let what’s going to happen, happen? The parallel drawn earlier between your children asking you and them asking God will help you answer this question. Although your kids can trust you, if they never let you know what they wanted or expressed their interests and preferences, they’d end up missing out on a lot that you’d have been willing to give them if they’d talked to you about it.

Nothing gets by God. He knows what we need and desire, but because he gave us a will and wants a relationship with us in which we express our interests, preferences, and desires, he doesn’t automatically do things in our life. The New Testament writer James sums if up by saying, “You don’t have what you want, because you don’t ask God” (James 4:2). When it comes to yes prayers and maybe prayers, God wants us to talk to him and ask him for things, and he wants to do the things that we’d like in our life. It’s a partnership, a relationship.

Help your kids understand that, that is the way God set it up, and that’s the way he made it work. The more we talk to him and spend time getting to know him and letting him know what it is that we want and need, the more he does in our lives.

To further help your child understand who God is, I recommend the book: Talking to Your Children About God.

When our children turn to God as their Father and begin to rely on his working in and with them, and in their lives, they need to know that he’s trustworthy and faithful.

It’s impossible to trust someone when you know nothing of his or her character, concern for you, or ability to deliver. To trust someone means that you know, without even having to think about it, that because of his or her character and love for you, that person will always act with your best interests in mind. You know that the person in question is trustworthy. It also means having the confidence that the person you trust is not only able to do what you’re trusting him or her to do but will do it – because that person is faithful.

Our children, then need to know that God loves them and is trustworthy; they can trust him with their lives, knowing that his way is the best way and will make their lives work better. They also need to know that he’s faithful; they can put their faith in him and rely on him, day by day, to do what he says he’ll do for them as their Father: care for them, provide for them, teach them, direct and encourage them, help them to grow, and so forth.

What the Lord says is right and true. He is faithful in everything he does. (Psalm 33:4)

The Lord is faithful and will keep all his promises. He is loving toward everything he has made. (Psalm 145:13)

Let us hold firmly to the hope we claim to have. The One who promised in faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

He is faithful and right in everything he does. All his rules can be trusted. (Psalm 111:7)

Lord, those who know you will trust in you. You have never deserted those who look to you. (Psalm 9:10)

May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13)

Our children also need to be trustworthy and faithful themselves. These two characteristics are foundational for establishing relationships and making them grow. Trustworthiness and faithfulness are necessary if your children are going to be successful in relationships with friends and family, in marriage, and in their careers and communities. If people can trust them to do what’s best for others and can put their faith in their ability to perform and to keep their word, they’ll prosper in their relationships. And since good relationships are the key to success in every area of human existence, they’ll succeed in life. Furthermore, if they’re trustworthy and faithful in their relationship with God, God will be able to trust them with more responsibilities and blessings in this life. Life works when we’re faithful and trustworthy.

Don’t let love and truth ever leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and a good name in the eyes of God and people. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Lord, to those who are faithful you show that you are faithful. To those who are without blame you show that you are without blame. (Psalm 18:25)

Friends love at all times. They are there to help when trouble comes. (Proverbs 17:17)

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. (Luke 16:10, NIV)

Your can see now why correctly teaching our children about God’s character is vital if we want them to have a successful life!

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

God understands. He will always listen, understand, and respond to our children, no matter what happens in their lives. God is always right there for them. He understands everything they feel and go through, and he’s always ready to encourage them to go forward, to give them wisdom, and to help them out. God is on their side.

The New Testament book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is fully sympathetic, understanding even the toughest things we go through because he also went through them. Sometimes we forget that Jesus was once a child and then a teenager. (The Bible even records a time when his parents didn’t understand him!) Jesus had to be obedient to his parents, go to school, do chores, and grow up in a community of friends, neighbors, and family. The single incident from Jesus’ childhood included in the Bible – something that happened when he was twelve years old – seems to have been recorded to show us that Jesus had to grow up just like everyone else.

Our children can take comfort in the fact that when they pray and talk to God, they have someone listening who’s on their side, who completely understands how they feel and what they’re going through, and who’s ready to help.

We have a high priest [Jesus] who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But he did not sin. So let us boldly approach the throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Whatever our troubles are, however besieged we feel, God can and will help.

What should we say then? Since God is on our side, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

God understand us, and our children need to be taught likewise to be understanding of others, because when they love, accept, and forgive others, always trying to understand and to give them the benefit of the doubt, they become the kind of people that others feel good about and want to be with. When people know that our children don’t gossip, judge, or say negative things about others, those people can be confident that our kids won’t judge them either. When our children learn to be compassionate and understanding of others, many doors in life will be opened to them. Everyone on this planet wants to be loved, understood, and thought well of. When our children know how to imitate their Father with this character trait, and they imitate him from the heart, many of the people they encounter will want to be their friend, will accept them into their group or community, and will hire them, promote them, and honor and respect them. Life works by understanding and compassion.

But love your enemies. Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will receive a lot in return. And you will be children of the Most High God. He is kind to people who are evil and are not thankful. So have mercy, just as your Father has mercy.

If you do not judge others, then you will not be judged. If you do not find others guilty, then you will not be found guilty. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. (Luke 6: 35-38)

Those who have no sense make fun of their neighbors. But those who have understanding control their tongues. Those who talk about others tell secrets. But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves. (Proverbs 11:12-13)

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

God is good, and therefore what he does is good. Our children should understand that God created them for good things. His desire is to be good to our children, to give them good things, and to teach them and help them so that they can have a good life. God isn’t a mean and angry God: he’s good, kind, and loving, and he acts accordingly.

The Lord God is like the sun that gives us light. He is like a shield that keeps us safe. The Lord blesses us with favor and honor. He doesn’t hold back anything good from those whose lives are without blame. (Psalm 84:11)

Lord, you are good. You are forgiving. You are full of love for all who call out to you. (Psalm 86:5)

You are good, and what you do is good. (Psalm 119:68)

Even though you [people] are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)

Every good and perfect gift is from God. It comes down from the Father. He created the heavenly lights. He does not change like shadows that move. (James 1:17)

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

God is good to us – and our children need to be good to others. Being good to others and doing good are keys to a successful, happy life. When our children’s intent is to do good to others, people see it in their lives and respect them, trust them, and want to be with them. When they do good to others, they feel great about themselves, and their confidence and self-image improve. They gain a feeling of fulfillment; they become more accepted, appreciated, and loved as members of our society; and others want to, and begin to, do good for them. In other words, God rewards them – and us – for doing good to others. “Good” makes life work.

Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don’t give up. So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it. (Galations 6:9-10)

Remind God’s people to obey rulers and authorities. Remind them to be ready to do what is good. Tell them not to speak evil things against anyone. Remind them to live in peace. they must consider the needs of others. They must be kind and gentle toward all people. (Titus 3:1-2)

Then those who have trusted in God will be careful to commit themselves to doing what is good. (Titus 3:8)

Don’t forget to do good. Don’t forget to share with others. God is pleased with those kinds of offerings. (Hebrews 13:16)

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

I’ve already talked a lot about learning, growing, responsibility, and other serious things. Although our kids’ spiritual life isn’t something we should take lightly, we can get so wrapped up in the seriousness of it all that we end up painting God as a sour-faced old schoolmarm who demands that we get serious, sit quietly, and do only what we’re told to do. That’s why this first aspect of God’s character is so critically important and why I put if first.

God invented:

• beauty
• joy
• happiness
• humor
• laughter
• applause
• sunshine
• entertainment
• fun
• health
• nature
• sports
• love
• friendship
• families
• conversation
• art
• drama
• music
• food
• animals
• and even hugs

It’s important that we talk about God in relation to the good things in life, that we talk about him during the good times and not just when we need to lecture about right and wrong or struggle with someone’s death or sickness or explain why some disaster took place. Our children would quickly get tired of our company if all we did was teach and correct, even if we did it gently. They’d also want to be somewhere else, anywhere else, if we were always mad, upset, or negative.

It’s the same with God. We can’t get away with talking about God only in dour terms and in dour times and still expect our children to be excited about developing a relationship with him. Instead, we should focus on seeing him as the inventor behind life’s joys, the one who’s throwing the party, not the one who’s scolding everyone and sending them home. “God…richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

God is there with us and for us, and he gives us all the good things listed above to enjoy – and a whole lot of others that aren’t mentioned.

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)

In some ways, God is very different from us. He’s God, and he’s awesome. He’s the creator, and we’re creatures. But that doesn’t mean that we should talk about God in terms of his being so big and mysterious that we can’t possibly understand who he is and what he’s like. Even the unique and awesome things about God can be put in simple terms for children to understand.

Yet in many ways God is similar to us, and that’s what we should focus on first when we talk to our kids about God. He made us “in his image.” People have debated a lot about exactly what that phrase means, but one thing is for sure: everything good that God created as part of who we are is part of who God is, even though he’s not limited to or by any of these things.

With God revealing himself as being so similar to us in so many ways, we should be able to avoid talking about God as unknowable and completely mysterious. It’s through these similarities that our kids can easily begin to understand who God is and what he’s like, and to feel more comfortable with him and relate to him better. Here are some of the ways in which God has shown himself to be similar to us (or rather, ways in which we’re similar to God):

• He’s creative: he loves to design and make new things.
• He’s love: he enjoys giving and caring for others.
• He has emotions: he feels, and he expresses the way he feels.
• He has a sense of humor: he laughs and has fun.
• He loves beauty: music and art and nature.
• He loves being in relationships: he wants to know and be with us, as his children and his friends.
• He loves wisdom: understanding and knowledge.
• He talks and thinks: he plans and builds, and he pursues goals, enjoying work time and rest time in the process.

It’s important that our children have an accurate understanding of God’s character for three solid reasons. First, in order for them to trust God and develop a relationship with thim, they need to know what he’s like and what they can expect of him. Second, God created everything, including life itself, in harmony with his character, so understanding his character is essential to a successful life. And third, understanding God’s character gives children a picture of what their own character should look like.

The next 4 blogs will cover the four foundational descriptions of God’s character, from the Bible, that you can use to help your children better understand who God is.

(RICK OSBORNE / Christian Author, Speaker & Bible Teacher)