Under completely unusual circumstances, two very young boys became kings of a nation. Joash and Josiah, found themselves sitting on a throne before they could fully grasp what it meant to wear a crown. Both have similar stories. They were young, inexperienced, and held positions of great responsibility. But look how differently their lives turned out—one with borrowed convictions which fell away, and the other with living faith which endures to the end.
The Story of Joash
Joash was seven years old when he became king. He acted according to God’s Word, but only for as long as the years of Jehoiada the priest (2 Chron. 24:1–2).
Jehoiada was a godly man who mentored and protected Joash. Under his guidance, Joash did many good things, most notably restoring the temple of the Lord (2 Chron. 24:8–13). But then came the turning point.
Without Jehoiada, the officials of Judah led Joash astray. When God sent prophets to warn him, he rejected their words. He even ordered the stoning of Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:15-18, 21).
At the end, his own officials conspired against him and murdered him in his bed. He did not even receive an honourable burial (2 Chron. 24:25).
The Story of Josiah
Josiah was eight years old when he became king. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord without turning aside to the right or to the left (2 Chron. 34:1–2).
Unlike Joash, the young king Josiah inherited a corrupt kingdom. But while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David (2 Chron. 34:3).
When Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law in the temple and Josiah heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes in repentance and renewed the covenant with God, with all his heart and all his soul” (2 Chron. 34:31).
Josiah did not just reform the temple. He reformed the nation. He removed every trace of idolatry and led his people to worship the true God (2 Chron. 34:33).
After his tragic death in battle, all Judah and Jerusalem greatly mourned for him (2 Chron. 35:24–25).
Two Kings, Two Paths
Joash and Josiah were children when they became kings.
Both lost their parents early in life.
Both died young.
Yet the lives they lived were drastically different.
Joash’s faith was not his own. It depended on guidance from Jehoiada. But Josiah sought God for himself, responded to his Word, and led his people with conviction.
Growing Up as a Pastor’s Kid
I grew up in a Christian home with parents who served in ministry. So I often interacted with other pastor’s kids. I still remember standing before the church as a nervous little girl during Sunday school memory verse presentation time—my palms sweating, my heart pounding.
While others recited whole chapters, I clung to the one verse Sunday after Sunday that brought me comfort: “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps. 100:5).
Maybe I was not good at rote memorisation. But I understood this verse deeply. God’s goodness and love; that was real to me.
Over the years, I have noticed that children are sharp judges of character. They can sense sincerity. In some homes, I saw what I call “Joash homes”—where faith felt second-hand. God was often talked about but rarely obeyed. Children learned to separate their “church life” from their “real life.” When the guiding influence faded, their faith slipped away.
Raising a Josiah Generation
What are some things believing parents can do as we pray for our children to enjoy real—not borrowed—faith in Christ?
1. Build God’s Narrative in Everyday Life
In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, Moses commands parents to impress God’s Word on their children in all of everyday life. Faith must be naturally woven into daily rhythms, not limited to Sunday mornings. Talking about God’s Word must be an ongoing conversation, not a weekly lecture.
2. Live It Out
Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. When they see us thanking God in daily conversations, repenting when we are wrong, or expressing joy in him, they understand our faith is real.
When they hear God in casual adult conversations, they see that mama and papa are happy and begin to relate this joy to knowing God. The more our actions match our words, the more they see that God’s presence shapes everything. And God becomes real to them as well.
3. Show That God Comes First
Growing up as a pastor’s kid, our home was always open to others. As a child, I sometimes resented the constant guests we received. It felt like we never had the home just for ourselves; mama always had an extra batch of fresh food for whoever came in. I don’t have pictures or memories of my father attending most of my special events for the sake of ministry.
But over time, I saw what true devotion looked like—not from sermons, but from sacrifice. My parents lived out what they preached. Their faith was costly, and its authenticity made a mark on my heart.
4. Strive for Wholeness
Faithful parenting is not about choosing between serving God or family. The two are intertwined. Children thrive in homes where parents love each other deeply, share a united faith, and model mutual respect. Such homes automatically create safe spaces where children feel treasured. It creates healthy emotional space for them to learn and live in union with Christ.
5. Include Them in the Journey
Let children be part of prayer and decision-making. When families pray and discern God’s wisdom together, children begin to develop a sense of ownership in their faith. Answered prayers become opportunities to express gratitude, while unanswered prayers open the door for deeper conversations about God’s timing, sovereignty, and purpose.
When parents include their children in discussions about decisions—family plans, challenges, or future goals—it helps them see that dependence on God is for everyone, not just for adults. These times teach children that faith is lived in community and that God listens to them too.
From Borrowed Faith to Living Faith
The stories of Joash and Josiah remind us that a godly start is not enough. Faith must be personal (Matt. 16:15, Rom. 10:9-10).
As we surround our children with Scripture, weekly church, and good teaching, may the King of kings give them a living faith, which endures to the end (Eph. 2:8-9, 1 Pet. 1:3).
Let us strive to raise a generation like Josiah—who seek God early, respond to his Word sincerely, and live out their faith boldly.
May our homes be places where children see God’s Word alive in us and receive believing hearts, so they can truly say, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5).
