Hello…Yes…Oh, you’re Johnny’s teacher. I’ve been meaning to call you…No; he isn’t planning to be in school this year. You see he has so much work to do at the church – he has Bible school lessons, church services, youth activities and such takes up his time; then there are daily devotionals at home and other interests, so there isn’t time left for school…
Well, yes I know that school is important, and I know that you are doing a fine job with the kids in this community – and I’ve been intending to write a letter of appreciation to the school. I surely would hate to live in a place where there were no schools…
To tell the truth, Johnny didn’t like school too well last year. Besides all those examinations, having to bring home a report card showing his progress was embarrassing to him. He suffered some psychological effect because so many girls were attending school; he thought it was “sissy” to go. So he decided he would not attend this year…
Am I going to make him go? Of course, I’m not! I knew a family once that made their child go, and he wound up hating school. I don’t think his educational growth will be harmed. I will use my influence to get him to attend the football games, plays, etc.… When hunting season is over, his father will be able to make him. I really think the old methods of education are out of date anyway…
Yes, if he were to decide that he wanted to return to school, it would be all right with me. I just want this decision to be his.”
This article came from the bulletin that it mailed out by the Warner Robins Georgia church of Christ. What do you think of the above article? Do you think statements have ever been made like this? Not about the church you say, and you are right; but they have been made about school and other activities that children have. Yes, and the last part has also been said, “I will not make my child go to church! I had to go when I was young and I will not make my child go until he is able to make his own decision.” Yes, I have heard that one too. The child will never go to church unless there are some other influences upon his soul. Some of those influences may not be ones that you like either. So what are we teaching our children?
Are we teaching our children the value of their soul? “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Yes we need to teach our children how to make a living, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). But, are we not to “…Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). And are we not to, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). And we are to teach our children “If ye love me (God), keep my commandments” (John 14:15). But you know if we as parents do this we might have a problem!
You know if we all started teaching our children these things and made sure they knew them we might not be able to handle all the folks that would come on Sunday. You know we also might have the same numbers on Sunday and Wednesday that we have on Sunday morning. You know we might have the same number for Sunday morning Bible Study that we have for worship.
You know another problem we might have, we might not have a leadership shortage either. You see we might encourage our sons to go up to be preachers, Bible class teachers, elders or even deacons. The church might have a leadership problem, not like it has now, with not enough leaders, and no one willing to take the leadership, but one where there are enough leaders to go around and keep the church strong and pure. We would encourage our daughters to marry Christians and then encourage their husbands to be faithful to the Lord. They might encourage their husband to be an elder, or a deacon, or be a Bible class teacher, or even to do some personal teaching. You see our daughters would be doing those things too. But, what are we teaching our children?
Are we teaching our children that spiritual teaching is not as important as secular teaching? Are we teaching our children that earning a living for a fifth of a century is more important than preparing for eternity? Just what are we teaching our children?
When we stand before God on the Judgment Day what are we going to say to God? Are we going to with those of whom it is said, “And they all with one consent began to make excuse…” (Luke 14:18). Our excuses will not be able to stand. Moses tried making excuses to God and it did not work with him as it did not work with these in this parable, let us not think that we too can make excuses for not serving God and we will get away with it. It will not work, but what are we teaching our children?
Let us teach them to serve God with all that they have and they will be ready when they die or when the Lord comes again.
Love, Keith
