How to teach children politics

Respect for earthly authority

Parents, have your children ever asked you about politics? What’s on the news? What’s going on in the yard signs? Who does God tell us to obey, and why should we obey them?

When we think about politics, we must pay attention to the concept of power. In fact, Romans 13 talks about how the government is actually a servant on God’s behalf. One of the things that God gives to government is legal authority. And authority is not bad.

God gives different types of authority for different reasons. He gives us individually conscience as an authority. He gives us parents as an authority. And then one of these other powers that God gives is law, government. Therefore, it is for our good to ensure that we can act sensibly in society.

When we go outside, when we get into a car, we must be able to reasonably trust that our interactions in society will be peaceful and that this will be governed by the reality of law and government. If we have no government, what results will we see in the Book of Judges: everyone did what they thought was right – chaos, anarchy and relativism.

There will always be cautious debates about what kind of legislation the government should pass. We can have these debates, but we should affirm that the government is good. He is there for our good. Its function is to ensure that every individual in society is protected by the law, that criminals and wrongdoers are punished, and that all the different elements of society can cooperate and work together for the common good of society.

And when you talk to your kids about politics, the first thing you need to do is make sure they understand that God is actually in control. He is responsible for everything that happens here on earth and in heaven. Ultimately, he is king and ruler. And while we are here on earth waiting for Him to return and create a new heaven and a new earth, He has given us commandment to obey our earthly rulers.

First, be a good example of speaking about our earthly leaders with kindness and respect.

Government is a really good thing. It provides laws and policies that help protect its citizens. It helps people develop. This helps take care of our neighbors. It helps communities thrive and it’s all called the “common good.” And God tells us to love our neighbor. So if we are to love our neighbors, we should care about these principles and laws, and we should care about what the government does to help those around us. Therefore, it is worth getting involved in the activities of our local government. We should pay attention to what is happening in the communities around us.

If you are a parent, you should take your young children with you to vote. You should let them watch what’s happening on TV. Talk about the yard signs you see. Help them get involved in what’s happening in your area. If you have an eighteen-year-old child, help him or her register to vote. Help them find out what’s happening in the communities around you. Help your children care about the politics that are happening in your world and help them be nice to the leaders of today’s world by talking about them with respect, even if you disagree with their politics and their politics. First, be a good example of speaking about our earthly leaders with kindness and respect.

Parents, be a good example first and foremost by engaging in politics and showing respect for our leaders. Also be a good example of helping them get involved on their own. God wants us to respect the government, so it is the parents’ responsibility to be good role models, especially at home.

Authors are Andrew T. Walker and Christian Walker What should I say when. . . ?: A parent’s guide to navigating cultural chaos for kids and teens.

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