So often the church forgets the next generation.
They plunk them down in a Sunday school class and hope for the best from some thin watered down "curriculum" the church board bought because it looked fun and just may save the visitor's children. This is not what we are supposed to be doing. We are starving them all.
The children are being entertained. Not trained.
How we miss the mark!
If the next generation- today's children and youth- are tomorrow's leaders... WE ARE FAILING THEM.
Have they learned to serve?
Have they learned how to read and study the Word?
Do they know the Lord they claim to follow?
Do they keep His commandments?
Have their gifts been indentified and cultivated?
Sadly, "No" is the answer to all of these questions.
What can we do about that? Well, it starts with us and does not- and I repeat NOT- lay in the lap of our church. We, as our children's parents, are responsible for the training up of our children.
-
Use the model Jesus taught when you instruct your children how to pray. Write it out and analyze the different parts and what they are. For example: say Who you are praying to, praise Him, thank Him, ask forgiveness, pray for others, ask direction, ask for protection, always finish praying in the name of Jesus.
Scripture tells us to teach them dilligently. When we get up, as we go through our day, as we walk along the road. You get it, you know what Bible says. But are you doing it? I mean really doing it. Do you stop at almost every opportunity and show your child God's handiwork? His every day miracles? His answers to prayer? Do you set them back on track and point them in the right direction again according to what the Bible says? Do you show them God's plan for their life? Do you encourage them in it?
It grieves me to tears at the starvation of spirit in the body of Christ today. Let us not neglect the future of the bride! Will she be ready?
I have included some links to some books and information on identifying your children's spiritual gifts here.
 
 | 
• 2/18/2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>
*grin* I didn't mean that getting my permit would give me a life. You're right, I already have one. :-) I meant that I'm allowed to do things and grow. They don't just keep me tied down, and never let me learn or expierience things. I know people whose parents do that... I feel sorry for them. They never get to know anything except the tiny little world that their mom has made for them. When you're little, that's fine. That's good, and right. But when you're as old as they are, it's not fine. :-)
Hugs,
Becca
Edited by giftedgirl on 2/18/2008 at 7:22 PM