From the very first day we are born, we are interpreting life and everything around us. Not only do we interpret life, but we interpret it from a uniquely “us” perspective. We begin to consider how the world around us affects us for good or bad.

The frailty and vulnerability of a precious newborn can blind us to the biblical truth that this little child is born with a sinful heart. But it doesn’t take long before their first defiant grab for something clearly off-limits or to hear their crying meltdown because they didn’t get their way to remind us that the gospel is about a Savior, and this child is going to need that Savior.

We come with desires and personalities, and they are part of how we interpret our world. We are indeed complex works of God’s creation. What sets us apart from all other creation is our ability to interact with God at a personal level. The Bible tells us that we were created in His image, meant for a relationship with Him, and, most importantly, that we are to live in a dependent relationship upon Him.

Is the God of the Bible intimately involved in the life of your child? The Bible confirms that the answer is yes! But how will the reality of that truth be known to the child who is not told?

The best time to start talking to your child about God and, in particular, the gospel of Jesus Christ is now, at whatever age they are—whether they are 6 months or 16 years old. The younger they are when you start talking to them about God, the easier it will most likely be to continue when they are older.

For the older child, though you may face resistance, if you don’t offer them a gospel interpretation of life, then the darkness of the world and all of its seductions will help them interpret the meaning of their life and where hope is found. If that sounds like a pretty bleak picture, it should, and it is. Start now talking to your child about Jesus and the message of His rescue and hope.

So how do you start? Prayerfully. Come before God about the needs of your child’s heart. Consider that we are stewards of our children and the hearts they come with. We do not own them, but they are put in our care by God.

How will you treat the child left in your care? Why not offer them the words of the One who put them in your care? Read Bible stories to your young child. If your child is now 16, you may have challenges to starting conversations about God, but don’t let that stop you. With some thought, you can use the struggles they face to speak to them about the rescue of Jesus—the same Jesus who is rescuing you from your own sinful heart—and of His refuge and love when others sin against them.