Nigeria is in a moment where being a Christian feels costly. In many places, it’s as if believers both young and old are walking with an invisible target on their heads. But the real threat is not the danger around us. The real threat is raising children who know church but do not know Jesus.
This is why parents can no longer avoid this conversation. Your child must understand what it means to follow Jesus in a world that does not always welcome Him. They must know that persecution is real, but Jesus is greater. They must grow up prepared, grounded and unshaken. This is the time to raise children who love Jesus deeply, stand for Him boldly and hold on to Him even when standing comes with a price.
This is not fear. This is discipleship. And it starts at home.
1. Teach them that following Jesus is a calling, not a convenience
Jesus never promised an easy life. He promised eternal life. He promised peace in the middle of trouble, not the absence of trouble. John 3:16. John 16:33
Our children need to understand that Christianity is not just blessings and protection. It is also courage, loyalty and sacrifice. When they know this early, nothing surprises them.
2. Explain the meaning of true Christian courage
Martyrdom doesn’t mean looking for danger. It means refusing to deny Jesus if danger comes. Teach your children that standing for Jesus is more important than fitting in, being accepted or staying comfortable.
A child who understands that Jesus gave His life for them will grow up ready to give up anything for Him.
3. Help them see that dying for Jesus is not defeat
If persecution ever comes, a child who understands scripture knows that dying for Christ is not tragedy. It is victory. It is going home with honor. It is joining the heroes of faith who refused to bow to evil.
This does not make them reckless. It makes them unshakeable.
4. Teach them the stories of young biblical heroes
Tell them about:
Daniel who wouldn’t bow
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who faced the fire
Stephen who preached with boldness
The early church children who stood firm in faith
This are not just stories they are anchors.
When a child sees how God stood for those who stood for Him, they learn to trust His strength, not their own.
5. Prepare them to say “I belong to Jesus” anywhere
Every child should be able to say it boldly at school, with friends, online and in public.
When a child can declare Jesus with confidence in peace, they will be able to stand for Him with courage in crisis.
6. Teach them that Jesus is worth everything
Children must know that Jesus is worth their time, obedience, choices and even their life if it ever comes to that. This is not fear. It is discipleship.
A child who knows Jesus as the treasure of their life cannot be intimidated by those who hate Him.
Final Word
Parents/guardians, this is not the time to raise children who only know church. It is the time to raise children who know Christ. Children who will stand for Jesus when it is easy and when it is hard. Children who can say like Paul:
“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
You are not just raising a child. You are raising a disciple. And a disciple of Jesus must be ready for anything.
