Teaching Our Grandchildren Truth in a Confusing World

In today’s culture, truth is relative. Compromise is okay if you have a good reason, right?

Wrong.

How do we help our grandkids navigate these minefields of truth and lies?

Discernment. Do you have it? How about your grandkids?

No, I’m not talking about the spiritual gift of discerning spirits.

I’m talking about distinguishing what is false from what is true. Can your grandkids tell the difference? And how can we help?

We train them in discernment.

When the Harry Potter series came out, I chose to read Rowling’s books with my kids.

Why? Because I have strong-willed kids who would have read them behind my back had I banned the series.

Reading together accomplished two things. One, I knew firsthand what they had read. Two, we could talk through any issues I felt should be addressed.

What surprised me was this. My kids didn’t trip over the witchcraft. Moral relativism snagged their toes. Let me explain. Often Harry is placed in a position where he must choose between a right choice (follow the rules) or a wrong one (disobey). Disobeying an unlawful rule was not the issue here. Harry almost always made a wrong choice but for a “good” reason—like helping a friend.

When I pointed out that Harry could have helped a friend and still made a right choice, I was amazed at the pushback.
But he did it for a good reason! was the comeback.
While this led to constructive discussions, I also learned that culture had a stronger grip on my kids than I thought. Wrong was okay if you had a good enough reason? I don’t think so.
We all need godly wisdom and discernment, so how do we get there? And, more importantly, how do we get the grandkids there?

1. Know the truth.

We need a standard, the absolute truth of Scripture.

But why the Bible? You may need to sell this idea first.

God gave us His Word to reveal who He is and how we are to relate to Him. The Bible you hold has been carefully preserved from ancient times. In fact, few ancient manuscripts even come close to how carefully the Bible has been translated and kept.

But how do we know it’s real? True? Because the Bible says so doesn’t sound like a great answer even if it is what God said about His Word.

Still. Here’s what Scripture says about itself.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

“But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Matthew 11:19

Scripture has borne the test of time. Those who live by the Bible know its truth, from faith and from experience. Do we understand it all? No. But God’s Word renews our mind and gives us a grid to examine thoughts, opinions, and arguments that come from the outside.

Therefore, the priority is to get into the Word and get the Word in us—and them. How?
• Read Scripture together or simultaneously if you are long distance.
• Memorize verses together and reward them for their effort. Use music if helpful.
• Talk about what you are reading and memorizing. What does it mean? How do we walk it out?
Get in the Word.

A note for those whose kids have walked away from the faith, or perhaps their spouse doesn’t practice, or for whatever reason, you’re not allowed to talk about Jesus. I’ll talk more about this next week, but for now, two things. One, pray and keep praying for breakthrough. Two, turn to children’s literature. Many general market stories (that means, not Christian fiction) are filled with biblical principles. I’ll refer you to next month’s episode on building character through kid lit. Don’t despair. You have so much good material here. Contact me for specific needs.

2. Ask God for help in discerning truth.

Simply ask. For yourself and for them. King Solomon did, much to God’s delight.

“‘So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong . . .’ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” 1 Kings 3:9-10

Just ask Him. Father God wants to give our grandchildren discernment.

3. Teach them to listen.

Teach your grandchildren to pay attention to those divine nudges, impressions, and words. To make note of what happens when they do pay attention—and when they don’t. Share your personal experiences.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21

Teach them to tune their ears to His voice. Align their will with His. Listen, then obey.

4. Is Peace Present?

Before a decision is made, train your grandchildren to check for God’s peace. If God’s peace is absent, STOP.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Questions will hit like hail in a spring thunderstorm. Did I hear Him? What if I miss something? Am I off track? When questions come, check for God’s peace. Its presence—or absence—will tell you volumes. You can also trust God to redirect if needed.

Charles Spurgeon said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It’s knowing the difference between right and almost right.”

Try these conversation starters:

Ask your grandchildren what they hear from other kids about: race, gender, marriage, . . .

Talk through issues found in movies and books.

Share a time when you received wisdom, direction, and/or discernment from God. How did you discern God’s voice? How did you know what to do? What were the consequences of the action you took?

Let’s pray:
Father God, we come, just as King Solomon did, to ask for discernment. For us, for our children, and for our grandchildren. Renew our minds through Your Word. Teach us to listen and when we sense Your answer, to obey. Give our grandchildren hearts that are sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Training and practice sharpen the ability to hear and to heed God’s discernment. God will expose lies, debunk foolishness, and conquer evil. Let’s tune our spiritual ears to the Holy Spirit’s leading and train our grandchildren to do the same.

Next week’s post: When Jesus is Off Limits.