Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Deuteronomy 6:6-7a These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR THE YOUNG: WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Why is it a matter of importance to indoctrinate our children in the truths of Scripture from the time they are born? Wouldn't it be better to let them grow up and, when they reach an age of discretion, encourage them to choose what things to believe about God and Jesus? I recall a comment a mother made some years ago when I was visiting in a certain home. She said: "We've made a decision to let our children grow up to maturity and then pick the religion they want to follow and what church they want to belong to."
What lack of spiritual discernment such a comment demonstrates! By nature all children are born without the ability to make right choices spiritually. Being flesh born of sinful flesh, if left to their own devices, they will invariably make wrong choices in spiritual matters. Just as flowers planted in a garden, if left untended, will wither and die and the garden itself become a weed patch, even so little boys and girls, if the Lord did not intervene in their lives through loving parents who impress the truths of the Bible on their hearts, would not thrive as plants of the Lord but grow up like wild weeds in the field of this sinful world.
That is why Jesus told His disciples (when they tried to shoo parents away who were bringing their little ones to Him): "Let the children come to Me! Don't keep them away! They need Me as their loving Shepherd, too, just much as big people!" In the same way He solemnly exhorts fathers and mothers today to bring their children to Him from the littlest of ages. How can you do this? Through daily devotions you conduct at home. By bringing your children faithfully to Sunday School and church. By striving to apply the truths of God's Word to their lives as opportunities come your way in the course of daily living. In this way the Holy Spirit will help your children to grow in the knowledge of Jesus, strengthen them to follow in His paths, and enable them to flourish as beautiful flowers in His garden.
