Satan has always had a particularly insidious perseveration on the younger members of the church. If he can instill ungodly thoughts, habits, and attitudes in them at an early age, he can usually make them his disciples for life. We ought to be even more zealous at discipling our youth and training them in the way of the Lord. After reflecting on my time in youth group as a member and leader, here are three ways we can truly engage with our youth so that they can grow up in the best possible environment that enables them to fight off Satan’s schemes.

Be involved in their lives. We cannot make an impact on the lives of our church’s youth if we do not develop meaningful relationships with them. We need to find ways to engage with them outside of services. This may mean going to their ball games, concerts, or performances. It could mean inviting their family over to your house to get to know the family more. The more they are around you, the more they will see Christ in your example and words.

Teach them the Bible and theology. Bible classes and sermons need to engage with the Bible. While topical classes on more “relevant” things are at times appropriate, we must teach them to look to the Bible as the source of spiritual truth.

Pray for them. Every Christian needs to pray for the youth. We have hardly any idea what types of temptations they are facing, not just from their peers, but also from the media, their teachers, or even their families. We need to pray for the Lord to help guide them through this difficult and important time in their lives on a path of salvation. Even if we fail to do the first two things, if we pray, God will help them where we failed.