“What is your strategic plan for raising Godly children who will leave your home with a Biblical world view?
I doubt if this question ever is asked in a pre-marital counseling session or in a baby dedication service. I have never heard it addressed from the pulpit. However, it could be one of the most important issues every Christian couple should face.
For the most part, the proper response would be assumed to be “We plan to get involved in the church and make sure they are in a good Bible teaching program.”
While this is commendable, the church never was intended to be the primary agent for transmitting truth into the lives of those little ones we love. It has a complimentary and supplementary role. The family bears the heavy responsibility of bringing our children up in the fear and nurture of the Lord. The family was given this role from the beginning.
We have more churches, Christian schools, Christian television, radio, music, etc., than ever in history. Yet our society and our culture is becoming more secularized and ungodly with each generation. So, what we are doing is not getting the job done.
We have failed to grasp the truth we are stewards of all God has given us and which certainly includes our children. In instructing the children of Israel before they went into the land of promise, Moses, speaking of the commandments, said “Impress them on your children. Talk about them — in your home — as you walk about — when you set down and rise up — tie them on your foreheads — write them down.” Solomon said, “Train up a child in the way he should go.”
This will not happen in a church camp, in a seminar, not in a weekly hour or two in church, but in a daily transmitting of life into life in the home. When your children see you praying with brokenness, when they see you studying Scripture and talking about it around the dinner table they get the message this is important.
When they see you giving sacrificially to advance the Kingdom or help the helpless, they get the message. Many families would take their children to Disney World but never think of taking them on a mission trip or visit a rescue mission.
Children observe their parents living a lifestyle of self-indulgence and assume this is as it should be. Part of the role of the church is to challenge, inform, provide resources and pray for every family in the congregation.
Many parents do not know where to start. Church libraries may be full of excellent resources but if it is never promoted, it is assumed to be unimportant. Training sessions can be provided can be provided to share ideas and information. A creative task force could be established to address the issue of helping families grow and minister to their children.
Ask a high school senior, “Why are you going to college?” the normal reply is, “So I can get an education, so I can get a good job and make money so I can buy more stuff.” This is not the Biblical world view.
Since we all have been called to advance the Kingdom, let me suggest a more Biblical approach. “I want to prepare myself to be the best teacher, lawyer, pharmacist, etc. possible to be used by God in Kingdom ministry.”
Every Christian should understand they are “on mission” whatever their career choice. This understanding starts in the home.
To comment, email jhm82@outlook or call (580) 772-2311.