Question: My adult children no longer want me to talk to them about God. Should I stop bringing up the subject?

Answer:  No.  If you are still talking to them about any other subject, you should still be talking to them about the subject that is the most important of all!  Just think how easy you give them advice you’ve learned over the years about handling  money.  Or, you still remind them to eat healthy and get enough rest. Isn’t their eternal salvation and living their lives to please the Lord far more important than anything else?

The final message Jesus left with His disciples was to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I (Jesus) have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)

If we are to be taking the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation around the world, shouldn’t our sharing include – even begin with – the ones we know and love?Just as easy as we talk to them about the latest topics in the news, we must share with them about the greatest news of all!

Understandably, when you try to speak to them about the Lord, they may try to push back against what you say.  They may try to make you feel like you are old-fashioned, out-of-touch with the  more “inclusive” times, or just plain hateful!  Or, they might make you try to defend hypocrites or others who have sinned while serving in the church.  Don’t fall into their trap! Explain the Gospel to them so that they understand that we are all sinners who need a Savior. Let them know that God’s word tells us that our one and only Savior is His Son, Jesus Christ!

Another thing they may use against you is your own sinful past. They may try to make you feel unworthy to call them out about their sinful behavior. They may even quote scripture to you. For example, they may say, “Judge not, that you may not be judged.”  (Matthew 7:1) But they will not acknowledge the rest of that passage that says, “First remove the plank from your own eye (that is, ask Jesus to forgive your sins and repent of your own sins) and then you will see clearly to remove the plank out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5)  In other words, while we are not to be hypocrites,  we are to call out sin as sin!

Most importantly, we must always share the Gospel in ways that reflect the love of Christ in us!  We must start this early by lovingly teaching our children about God. God’s word tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

And when they are adults, continue to encourage them to read the Bible for themselves so that they will grow in the understanding of God’s word. Also, encourage them to join a good Bible believing, Bible teaching church.  This will allow them to grow with a community of fellow Believers.

And when opportunities come for you to share the Gospel with your adult children, don’t worry about their rejection or what you should say.  Simply pray for God’s Holy Spirit to give you the right words to say. Don’t speak to them in anger or try to force your beliefs on them.  Pray that God will open their hearts so that they will freely choose to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!

Also, pray that they will understand that choosing a life of unrepentant sin will only lead to death – eternal damnation separated from God in Heaven!  And, pray they’ll see that Jesus Christ is our Savior because He died on the cross to take the punishment we deserve for our sins.  He loved us that much! (John 3:16)

So go ahead. Don’t be afraid. Be bold for Jesus and start talking!