A Child Seeking to Know God

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Dear Mom and Dad,

I am writing this letter because I want to tell you who I am, what I need, and what I want to become as I grow up.
I know our home is a Christian home, and that means I am being raised to know God and to follow Him. I am still a kid, but I want you to know that I am not just trying to grow taller or get older—I want to grow in my heart. I want to learn how to live the right way and be the kind of person God wants me to be.

I want to say this clearly: I am seeking to know God.
I am trying to understand who God really is and what He is like. Sometimes I still have questions, and sometimes I don’t understand everything. But I want to learn. I don’t want to just hear things and forget them. I want them to become real to me.

I also want to understand sin. I am learning that sin is not only doing big bad things. Sin can be my attitude, my selfishness, my disobedience, my lying, my whining, my disrespect, and my anger. I don’t want sin to control me. I want to learn how to do what is right, even when I don’t feel like it.

Mom and Dad, I know you tell me that I need to believe in Jesus. And I do believe Jesus is real. But I also feel like I need to truly understand who Jesus is, not just know facts. I want to understand why Jesus came, why He died, why He rose again, and what it means for me. I don’t want to just say I believe because I’m supposed to. I want it to be real faith in my heart.

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This is why, I know there are things I need to do.

I need to listen to you more.
Sometimes you tell me something and I act like it doesn’t matter, or I forget, or I don’t want to do it. But I know you are my parents and God put you over me to guide me and protect me.  I need to listen the first time and not argue.  I need to respect your words and your rules.

I need to obey you and honor you.
I know the Bible says I should obey my parents. I am learning that obedience is not only what I do, but also my attitude. Even if I do what I am told, it is not right if I complain or whine.  I want to learn to obey with a good spirit and honor you in the way I speak and act.

I need to obey my teachers.
I know teachers are also authority.  Sometimes I may not like every rule at school, but I need to learn self-control and respect.  I need to listen in class, do my homework, and not act like I can do whatever I want.  I want to learn discipline, because I know it will help me succeed later in life.

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​Truth & My Words
I need to learn to tell the truth. I know God says I should not lie, even when I am afraid or trying to avoid trouble. I want my words to be honest and pleasing to God. I also need to speak with respect and not use bad language. I want the things I say to show that I love God and respect others.

I need to read the Bible.
I want the Bible to become part of my everyday life, not just something we hear at church. Sometimes I don’t understand everything I read, but I still need to read it.  God’s Word teaches me what is right and what is wrong.  It teaches me who God is.

I need to memorize Scripture.
I want God’s Word to be in my mind and in my heart.  I know memorizing Scripture can help me when I feel tempted, when I feel scared, when I feel angry, or when I don’t know what to do.  I want to hide God’s Word in my heart so it can guide me.

I need to go to church and learn.
I need to be around other believers and learn from pastors, teachers, and the church family.  I don’t want church to feel boring or like it doesn’t matter.  I need to worship God and listen carefully, because I know church helps me grow.
 

I need Christian examples.
Mom and Dad, I am learning that the role of a child is to learn.  I am not the center of the family.  I am part of the family, and I need to learn how to live under authority.  I. know that learning obedience now is training me to have self-control later.  I want to grow up and be wise, successful, responsible, and strong inside—not spoiled, lazy, or selfish.

Mom and Dad, I also want to share what I need from you, because God gave you to me as my parents.  I need to study the Bible and tell the truth God says, even when it is hard.  I also need you to be an example for me—not just by providing food, clothing, and shelter, but by showing me how to follow Jesus in everyday life.  I need you to provide me with a godly example, and to help guide me with good Christian books, Christian movies, and Christian music, so I can learn what is right and fill my mind with things that honor God.

Please keep teaching me.  Please correct me when I’m wrong.  But also please show me grace and forgive me, because I am learning and growing.  I want our home to be a home of love, discipline, and truth.

I need to receive Christ as my personal Savior:
Mom and Dad, I know I need to become a Christian,  thank you for reminding me that I am a sinner and the most important decision I can ever make is to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.  

I need to remember something important:
When I am older and successful, I plan on being there for you. I don’t want to grow up and forget you.  I want to honor you when I am an adult and take care of you if you ever need me. I want my life to show that I am thankful for you.

“But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.”    1 Timothy 5:4

Thank you for raising me and loving me.  I am still learning, but I want to become the person God has created me to be.
 

Love,
Your son/daughter