Going "into the water" is an act of surrender and identification with the death of Christ. Coming up "out of the water" proclaims the power of His mercy, grace, and life - which now defines who we are in Him and our decision to follow Him forever.
It is proclaiming our yes to His yes.
A few things to consider with your children and water baptism:
- Spiritual Readiness: In the ages 4-14, there is an open spiritual window. With the right environment & conversations, it is a time that children become aware of their fallen, sinful condition and need for a Savior. It is the optimum time for people to say yes to Jesus and to begin understanding and experiencing a relationship with Him.
- Faith Conversations: It is important to talk about your own faith story with your child(ren), as they learn by example. Take every opportunity to ask your child about Jesus. Who is Jesus? How do you need Him in your life today? Be ready to pray with them when they are ready to receive Jesus as a forever friend, and follow Him as leader of their life.
- Defining Moments: Once a young person expresses their faith in Christ, they are ready to be water baptized. At the same time, I feel the power of water baptism is the defining moment it is in our lives. I know for me, it is a time I distinctly remember & that decision to follow Christ has motivated and inspired me for over 30 years. I want the same for every child, which is why I insisted my daughter understood the why before she was baptized.
- Understanding Why: My daughter grew up from a very young age expressing her love to Jesus. Every time we had a water baptism at church, she would ask me if she could be baptized, too. I responded to her desire and asked her, "Why?" each time. Until she could verbally tell me the reason, I would explain to the story of following Jesus and why people are baptized. At age 10 1/2, she answered my "why" with her love for Jesus and desire for him to be in her life forever (see photo). I knew she was ready.
- Fears: For other children, water baptism is a bit scary. From the idea of going under water to being in front of people - it can freak them out. If this is your child, I encourage you to help them talk through their fears and express how it is an amazing moment you get to celebrate with Jesus. It is your opportunity to be courageous with your faith and let Jesus be right there with you.
- Ready?: If your child is ready, there is a class that covers the basics of water baptism (spiritually and practically). Go to that together & find out more. Ask God to give you an idea for a "memory" of water baptism for your child - a scripture or story or gift. Something that you can share and celebrate this decision together as a family.
Sharing in our children's faith story is such a wonderful part of parenting. I pray God's grace be with you and your family as you experience His great love and what it means to say yes to His yes.
