Christian evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham died Feb. 21. He wrote several weeks worth of columns before his death. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette will continue to run his words in this space through his final column, which will run March 20.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: How can we teach our son about God? He's only 8, but already we sense he's going to have problems if we don't teach him about faith in God, and about right and wrong. Neither my husband nor I have any religious background, so where do we start?
-- J.F.F.
DEAR J.F.F.: I'm thankful for your concern for your son; if our children don't learn the difference between right and wrong and aren't taught about God and His will for their lives, they'll bring great harm to themselves -- and society. The Bible warns that in the last days "People will be lovers of themselves ... abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful ... without self-control" (2 Timothy 3:2-3).
How can you help your son? The most important step you can take is to turn your own lives over to Jesus Christ, and become His followers. After all, how can you expect God to be important to your son if He isn't important to you? Begin your journey of faith today by committing your lives to Christ and making Him the center and foundation of your lives.
Then let your son know -- both by your words and your example -- that God is real, and He loves each of you. Pray with your son; offer a simple prayer of thanks before your meals; use a children's Bible story book to teach him about great men and women of faith. The Bible says, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
In addition, ask God to guide you to a church where your whole family will grow spiritually. Above all, seek His will in everything you do and say. The Bible says, "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
MovieStyle on 03/02/2018