Navigating unsaved family relationships with your children

Q: I grew up in a household where we did not attend church, did not follow Christ, Pray, etc. I spent my 20s partying and acting like tomorrow is promised. I am a saved Christian and living a good Christian life. 

I've invited my mother to church, when talking with my siblings about my church or anything related to God's word, and I receive the same response "if that's your thing" from them. 

I feel like I am growing further away from my family members as I grow closer to Christ. My children enjoy going to church, but when my siblings or mother come around...I feel like my kids change their perspective about attending church and God's word. How to dealt with this? Am I wrong for wanting to shut my family completely out of my life? They speak negatively, saying I've changed and I'm not fun anymore. I am not the same person I used to be. I stopped drinking, I stopped partying, etc. They expect me to be that same person, but not accepting the person I am now.

A: It is important that we reflect Christ in our lives to those around us both in how we live and speak and think. It sounds like you are doing your best in that way with what you know so far. God grows us in our understanding more and more, which also affects others around us as we become more holy and Christlike. 

It is important to raise up children in the truths of Scripture, the biblical worldview and the Gospel. The clearer they grasp these things the more they will see the difference between the saved and the unsaved. It may take them time to make the connection even when taught constantly. Especially if your husband lives out the Faith as well. 

If your kids are professing Believers then you Def need daily convos about these things, and on the car ride home from a family visit. 

If they are not born again yet, keep training them up in the Lord. Here are some ways to do this as you model biblical truth daily.

Here are some important reminders that will help you begin dealing with family in a more godly way, which also are things your kids will pick up on. 

Yes we need to still be in the lives of family after all God put us there and we are to minister to the unsaved among them and those around us. Sinners will always sin, yes you can keep the kids away from them and their influences in many situations, but Holy Holidays are a opportunity time to point people to Christ year after year, as are gatherings such as birthdays and anniversaries. But as long as you instill in the kids the value and importance of Christian worldview/beliefs, then you are doing well. Here are some resources to help with that. 

You noted you not the same person you used to be. And that's right. It is part of your testimony that God radically transformed you.  So...You want them to understand why we all need Jesus & Salvation. At the same time grasping why the unsaved have no interest in it, yet knowing God draws and saves at the right time. Keep praying and doing your best. 

Here are helps to craft your testimony, of which you can share at your annual born again birthday party, or at Christmas, Easter/Resurrection Sunday, New Years, or even occasional times you post it on social media, or as a family annual newsletter you send out by email. This can be evangelistic outreach. And let them (family & those you know whom you share it with) know you are always open for answering questions and prayers.  This further helps them. 

Seek out godly mature Believers in the church to help you create a annual year end or new years family newsletter for email, so you can include this (above) and a few bits n bibs about family, while always making it God focused [thanking God for answered prayers, blessings, activities, fun times, family, etc. Things you keep track of monthly so you can share this both in the newsletter and at your family Bible hour [at a monthly & annual recap]. 

More clarity & helps with this topic (1). Soon.

God bless

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