How Does a Spirit of Religion Affect Children?
Christians frequently talk about a spirit of religion, and most of us basically know what they mean by that. It is a spiritual stronghold or attitude that opposes the power, presence, and freedom of the Holy Spirit. The spirit of religion was alive and well in Jesus’ day. It was part of what nailed him to the cross.
“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” —2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV)
But let’s talk about the spirit of religion as it relates to children. After 34 years in children’s ministry, having taught and traveled across denominational lines in at least 29 different nations, here’s how I define it. A spirit of religion regarding children includes but is not limited to beliefs such as:
- Kids can’t get saved till they’re 12 (the age of accountability—this one is actually a doctrine of demons!)
- Kids can’t take communion because they are too young to understand the seriousness of it.
- Kids can’t be water baptized because a child’s salvation is in question until they become adults and know what they are doing. So wait.
- Kids can’t be filled with and speak in tongues because it’s too deep/mystical for them. Besides, even we adults don’t always understand it. And it’s optional anyway, not a requirement for Christians……..
- Kids can’t hear God’s voice or be led by the Spirit because most Christian adults can’t either, so how can kids possibly do it?
- Kids can’t heal the sick for all the above reasons.
Kids need fun and games, so keep it simple and keep it Gospel lite until they at least become teenagers.
I’ve heard it all.
Have you not read and have you not heard that in the last days “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” Joel 2:28.
Jesus’ last words before he ascended into heaven were, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
PLEASE NOTE: He said Whoever believes….those who believe…..will do it all.
Jesus never said you had to be a Bible school graduate, wear a shoe size of 15, have a college education, be over the age of 21, be a pastor, or be a parent.
The qualification for signs, wonders, and miracles was that the follower of Christ BELIEVES. If a 3-year-old child believes he or she qualifies to do it all.
Lord, open our eyes and show us where we might be handcuffing our children with a spirit of religion! What if they were the key to that last day’s revival simply because they believe………
Becky Fischer, apostolic minister, author, public speaker, graphic artist, entrepreneur, and more is the founder and director of Kids in Ministry International (KIMI). KIMI, founded in 2001, is a multifaceted ministry that trains children to walk in the supernatural power of God. It also equips leaders and parents to equip children the same way. Becky has been in children’s ministry over 30 years, ten years as a children’s pastor and twenty years as the director of KIMI. She, along with her international teams, has trained thousands of children, teens, parents, and children’s workers through conferences, Bible schools, mission trips, churches and resource materials in over 50 nations. Becky herself has ministered in 29 of those nations.