about what is good, right, true, and noble about marriage,
dating, and purity. At worst, they are set on a trajectory
away from Christ.
Parents who spend most of their time talking about the
body’s biological functions and changes in puberty are
addressing helpful subjects but missing the most important
topics. What cultural messages must parents be aware of?
Three examples include the redefinition of marriage, rejec-
tion of gender differences, and sexual exploration as a rite
of passage.
Plenty of children—possibly your own—are in danger of
embracing our culture’s powerful messages even as they seek
to follow Christ. With proper training, our children can be
Bible-believing Christians who are spiritual salmon, swim-
ming against the current of culture.
2. TEACH BIBLICAL TRUTH
Children of all ages need to be taught the meaning of
marriage, the role of husband and wife, and what to look for
in a future spouse. How children are taught will differ based
on age, but God’s message does not change.
THREE WAYS PARENTS CAN TALK WITH CHILDREN
ABOUT GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE
1. UNDERSTAND THE CULTURAL MESSAGES
Children receive a robust secular sex education and are
taught society’s views about marriage. As a result, many
children absorb a secular, self-indulgent, anti-biblical
worldview. At best, many young people are confused
What subjects should parents address with children? Go
where the Bible goes. You can be confident and comfortable
talking about subjects with your child that God addresses
with children in the Bible.
The pattern of Scripture is to teach children God’s truths
regarding marriage, sex, and purity. In Joshua 8:35, children
participate with the entire community of Israel as they hear
the first five books of the Bible read aloud. That means they
heard key passages about marriage, such as Genesis 2:24–25.
In Ephesians 6:4, children are directly commanded to obey
their parents. To hear “Children, obey your parents,” a child
had to be sitting with the rest of the congregation as the
entirety of Ephesians was read. That means children were
taught the biblical role of husband and wife as well as the
meaning and purpose of marriage (Eph 5:22–33).
Space limits my ability to explain the full range of topics
parents need to address with children, but a short list
includes these crucial truths:
• Marriage is created by God. God designed marriage.
Therefore, God gets to define marriage. Marriage is for
one man and one woman for life.
• Marriage is for God’s glory. God created marriage with
a purpose.
• Marriage is good. We can enthusiastically champion
marriage.
• Marriage is the expected norm. It is not good for man to
be alone unless gifted for singleness.
• Marriage is a covenant. It is a make-it and never-break-
it promise.
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