Our Children, Our Future

 

    The seventh of our eight children made the most important decision of his entire life last week.  After VBS, he made the decision to follow Jesus.  River is only six years old, but I am sure he understands the basics of sin, Jesus' redemption, and salvation.  There has been much rejoicing in heaven, in our church and in our home.  So, what is our responsibility to ensure River grows in his relationship with Jesus and in his Christian faith? Discipleship. I am so thankful for a church that encourages our children to grow in their faith. God has blessed us with leadership that encourages growth in God's Word among all of us, from little ones to adult.  

    We have talked some recently about the startling statistics of children who choose to leave the faith in their later teen years as well as the sad state of Christian churches where the pastors and teachers do not even possess a Biblical worldview.  It is scary and makes us fearful for the future of our children.  How can we turn this around, or even just ensure that our own children are secure in their faith?  The Bible has the answer!  God entrusted parents with the task of teaching their children about Him.  Deuteronomy  6:6-7 says:

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them upon your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.

    God's plan is for His Word to be the center of our homes.  It is to be the constant source of our conversation and the anchor for all of our daily activities.  Can there be too much "Bible talk?"  According to Deuteronomy, I don't believe so!  If we are to teach our children and talk about the Scriptures with them constantly, this means we (the parents) must be familiar with the Scriptures.  This means time and effort is required to study God's Words for ourselves, so that we can guide our children.  Recognizing the blessings and hand of God in each event of our lives, and witnessing to our children about it takes practice and boldness.  The church should be a source of encouragement, teaching and equipping parents in accomplishing this all-important task of discipling our children.  Praise God for a church that does!  However, we must remember that God holds the parents ultimately responsible for this.  

    For those who do not feel qualified to teach your children the Word of God, I want to encourage you to start studying the Scripture for yourself.  Ask the leadership in our church for recommendations on where to start.  Discussing what has been taught in Sunday School or any other Bible lessons you take your children to is another great starting place.  Growing together in God's Word will bless both you and your whole family.  Find a Christian mentor, a mature Christian, who can help you in this new journey.  I know our pastor and the leadership of Promise Ministries are eager to assist you in this all-important task.  

    Parents and grandparents, our children need us to point them to God and to show them lives of surrender to Jesus.  The church is there to equip us, but the responsibility lies with us.  Our children are only at church or church events a few hours a week. They need a constant immersion in the wonders of God's plan for all of eternity. When the homes and church work as a team,  the growth is exponential!  A revival is desperately needed in our country.  It can and should begin in our homes.  Let's take up the mission that God has set before us. Imagine what God can do!