First, allow your children to see your faith and values at work for you and your family.

      Take every opportunity to explain the connection between your decisions and your belief system: "Son, I returned the money because it didn't belong to me and we don't take what doesn't belong to us," or "Sweetie, you will not talk to your mother in that tone of voice. We will respect one another in this house because God has commanded us to be kind to one another." Explain to your children why you go to church, why you work so hard, why you support the Lord's work financially, and why you treat your spouse with respect. Begin as early as possible helping them see the connection.

      The second part of passing down your faith and values is to point out the rewards and consequences connected with what you believe.

      This doesn't need to be confined to what's taking place in your home. Look for examplesóboth good and badóin the homes of others. When things go wrong at home, point out the principle or standard you or your spouse violated. When they come home with a sad story about a friend's family, explain what happened in the context of what you believe. When your family is rewarded for an area of faithfulness, help them see the connection. Point out God's faithfulness whenever possible. You are shaping your children's worldviewóthe grid through which they will interpret all the events of life. Take every opportunity to help them develop that framework. This is the essence of passing down your faith. It makes no difference how many times children attend Sunday school and hear sermons.

      There is nothing under God's heaven like a mother and a father patterning principles they believe in if they want to hand those principles down to their children. It's more effectively caught than taught. Moses told the people of God to diligently teach their children "when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). That pretty much covers major portions of life. When they see you tithing, feeding someone who is hungry, gathering up clothes for others, being kind to their friends, driving within the speed limit, or being careful what you watch on television, you can ever so gently let them know a verse that encourages you to do this. Don't preach! Gently share. Boldly live it.

      Do you have a faith that is worth handing down? If you hand down your faith the way you are living it now, will your children be the better for having received and accepted your lifestyle?