In Ephesians 6, we find a brief section in which Paul addresses the relationships between chilren and parents. Paul directs children to obey their parents, especially when it comes to the ways of God. And then, as Paul often does, he shows that there is a mutual submission in the relationship of parents and children, as parents are not to provoke their children unnecessarily, but to bring them up in the instruction and discipline of the Lord.
If you didn't know this before, I love kids. I love playing with kids, working with kids, teaching kids, and just spending time with kids. I dearly love the time I get to spend with my 2 yr old daughter, and look forward to the time I will get to spend on the upcoming blesssing of a son that will be introduced into our family later this year. I've spent a significant time of my life working as a preschool teacher, and dearly loved the time of working with those children. Children are a very dear gift from God.
Children have much to learn about this world, and to learn about our God. While we are thankful that God extends His promise to children through the washing waters of baptism, we also realize that the faith God plants in their hearts at that time needs nurturing. It needs instruction. It needs discipline. Otherwise, that faith may wither and die away, which would mean eternal separation from God.
Throughout the centuries, the Christian Church has emphasized instruction for children and young people. They need to be taught about our God, the basics such as who He is, what He tells us, and the like. That's the instruction part. But, along with that, there is also the part in teaching them how that applies to the living of their lives. When they encounter life, how does their faith inform what they do, and why they make the decisions that they do? That's where the discipline part comes in.
Faith instruction is essential, and just as essential is faith discipline. A youth who knows that Jesus died and forgave him is a wonderful thing, but loses its luster if that youth is stealing, or vandalizing, or any other particular sins that he may willfully engage in. As we consider what ministry to children looks like, we remember that it's not only about teaching Bible facts, but training for living as God's children in Christ Jesus as well.
If you didn't know this before, I love kids. I love playing with kids, working with kids, teaching kids, and just spending time with kids. I dearly love the time I get to spend with my 2 yr old daughter, and look forward to the time I will get to spend on the upcoming blesssing of a son that will be introduced into our family later this year. I've spent a significant time of my life working as a preschool teacher, and dearly loved the time of working with those children. Children are a very dear gift from God.
Children have much to learn about this world, and to learn about our God. While we are thankful that God extends His promise to children through the washing waters of baptism, we also realize that the faith God plants in their hearts at that time needs nurturing. It needs instruction. It needs discipline. Otherwise, that faith may wither and die away, which would mean eternal separation from God.
Throughout the centuries, the Christian Church has emphasized instruction for children and young people. They need to be taught about our God, the basics such as who He is, what He tells us, and the like. That's the instruction part. But, along with that, there is also the part in teaching them how that applies to the living of their lives. When they encounter life, how does their faith inform what they do, and why they make the decisions that they do? That's where the discipline part comes in.
Faith instruction is essential, and just as essential is faith discipline. A youth who knows that Jesus died and forgave him is a wonderful thing, but loses its luster if that youth is stealing, or vandalizing, or any other particular sins that he may willfully engage in. As we consider what ministry to children looks like, we remember that it's not only about teaching Bible facts, but training for living as God's children in Christ Jesus as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment