7 Ways to Protect Our Youth From Evil

1. Recognize that evil is real.

This is an important first step! The Bible paints a clear picture of good versus evil. Paul writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). How can we recognize evil as Christians? Sometimes it’s apparent. For instance, federal law enforcement has coined a new and rising brand of domestic terrorism called “nihilistic violent extremism,” which describes those who are violent without ideology and instead are motivated by generalized hatred and desire for social chaos. Reports of shootings of innocent victims resound on our nightly news. This is evil. It is indicative of deep pain and loss of mooring in the shooters’ lives. Oftentimes, however, evil is more cunning. Jesus says to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. In order to not be deceived, we are to look at the fruit (Matt. 7:15–20). Does the fruit honor God and is it life-giving? On the contrary, the Bible tells us that the evil one comes to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). None of us wants destructive outcomes in our personal lives, nor in the world around us, which makes the Christian reluctance to discuss evil so unfortunate. Yes, we have to be responsible with the term, but we shouldn’t abandon it altogether. Given the growing tenor of our world, why should we abstain from providing believers with every spiritual resource for the trials they will inevitably face? How can we equip the saints for battle when we do not even recognize the foe? 

Pastor Timothy Keller writes in his book Jesus the King that if you believe in a personal God, then it is perfectly reasonable to assume that there is evil that’s personal too.

2. Gird youth and your family in the Word of God.

The Word of God is our best tool to protect youth and our families from evil. The Author of the Word made the world; His Word gives us a blueprint for ordering our lives for good and ushering in His blessing. Can you imagine operating a complicated appliance without looking at the instruction manual? Similarly, why would we opt to live in the world without seeking the wisdom of the One who made it? When we look in the Word, we discover Christ’s victorious authority and power. Hebrews 4:12 reads, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

When you are fighting a personal evil, this help is crucial. The Bible uses the term temptation to illustrate sin’s allure and seduction. It’s so easy to be lead astray! The problem is that sin’s temporary pleasure is followed by long-term pain and loss of innocence, just like in the Garden of Eden. 1 Pet. 5:8 reads, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Obedience to God’s Word can keep your feet on solid ground when temptation is overwhelming and its costly consequences are not immediately apparent (Psalm 119:105). The Jesus Storybook Bible, Action Bible, Life Application Study Bible, and Beautiful Word Bible are all favorites in our house. There is definitely a battle for the minds and hearts of youth today—gird them with the Word!

3. Cover youth in prayer.

Prayer is another powerful tool in our arsenal as Christians. While God wants our healing and wholeness at all times, prayer activates a lifeline to his mercy. Though Jesus is Lord, He never forced people to worship Him—prayer is like an invitation, an expressed opening in our heart, that draws us closer to God and acknowledges Christ’s lordship. I have seen God work through heartfelt prayer; it has power. James 5:16b reads, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” When someone’s burden is significant, it’s helpful to pray with others. Jesus famously said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Consider joining a prayer group at a local church or forming one yourself. In addition to the act of praying, what we pray matters. It’s no mistake that Jesus instructed his followers to pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9–13). I have written prayers for formal worship services, prayed bedside at hospitals, and spontaneously prayed with individuals and groups more times than I can count, yet the wisdom of this simple, age-old prayer astounds me. If you pray it daily, you will see its fruit in your life. 

Furthermore, Jesus specifically includes the line, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (v. 13). This line serves as both an affirmation of the reality of evil and a protective petition for the believer. It reminds me of the protection offered in Psalm 23:4, which reads, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Teach the Lord’s Prayer to children. Pray it together as a family at the dinner table and in worship. Watch for its fruit in your lives.

4. Share your faith.

Whether you are a parent or a trusted adult, your willingness to witness matters. There is a definite window to impart faith—children before age thirteen are more receptive statistically. This means that we must fight against the busyness of distractions and prioritize faith transmission. Intentionally lay the foundation for honest and open dialogue about faith. Appropriately share your journey and welcome questions. Statistics indicate that parents are the most formative influence on a child’s faith, but God can use every witness done in love as a lifeline. Plus, that witness can equip youth to do the same for others. Ephesians 6:13 reads, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” 

When youth have faith, they are no longer bystanders in the world, but rather agents with authority. My older children both served as leaders with me at vacation Bible school this past summer. For my older son, that witness readied him for another opportunity that came soon after. For my middle son, it has helped to make the church a home. Having faith connects children to a well of resources far beyond their own strength and enables them to fight evil with good.

5. Challenge youth isolation.

It’s much easier to fall victim to evil in isolation. Even though connectivity has increased through smart phones, loneliness is on the rise. That’s because people, including youth, are starved for meaningful interactions and supportive community. Worship isn’t just another thing to do—it’s one avenue to connect with like-minded believers. Open avenues for a supportive Christian community for the youth in your life and see what resonates. For instance, it may be a Bible study, youth group, faith-based school, or Christian camp or retreat. It’s much easier for them to stand in authority with others beside them (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Plus, their witness is multiplied when they serve.

6. Repent.

I once heard a pastor say, “Jesus won’t cover what is meant to be uncovered.” This blew me away. In other words, any sin that we are hiding is a weakness of ours in battle. It is a temptation point for further trouble. Just as repentance is a necessary step in accepting a faith invitation, it’s also necessary for remaining strong in the Lord. Jesus wants truth and light to reign in our lives. He wants to set us free! Let the word of God search you, and confess any sin. Teach youth how to have a spirit of discernment. The Psalmist prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (51:10, KJV). 

In addition to personal confession, ensure that corporate confession is a part of your regular worship service. Fortify yourself with repentance.

7. Guard their heart.

This point can be especially challenging. If you are a parent, it will mean putting your foot down. Children don’t need another friend; they need a parent. God gave us this sacred role for a reason—it comes with a sacred responsibility to protect them. If you have teenagers, let your biggest fights stem from your values. Restrict their phone and computer. Show them another way to popularity that doesn’t involve compromise. They may be angry now, but they will remember it and likely do the same for your grandchildren later. Youth have never needed parents more with their world expanding, and parents have never been more tentative to take a stand. We can’t ask youth to stand in authority when we’re afraid to model our own. We can’t ask them to make hard choices if we’re not willing to do the same. Let other kids and parents talk if they don’t understand. The small cross you carry now is nothing to the future you are preserving. Guard the hearts of children. Model a different way than the world around them. Lean on your Savior for guidance and help—when to push and when to pull back (Isa. 30:21). It’s hard! Your willingness to live in obedience as you parent (or mentor) will not only protect your child from evil now but also equip them to make difficult choices in the future. The ability to make hard choices or practice self-control is the most influential factor in predicting future success in children. It’s no mistake that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which we can help grow in the youth under our care!

While the fight might sometimes feel overwhelming, we worship a God who is good and has already won! Rest in the authority of Jesus. You are covered by his blood. Practice these seven steps to equip youth for victory over evil and help them live with authority and strength.