More on Kids

October 30, 2007

As a pastor, I am with people in some of life’s greatest times and some of the worst. As far as the “worst times” few compare to the pain of a parent that has a child living in rebellion. I know there are genuine, devoted Christian parents that have led by example, prayed fervently, and loved unconditionally only to have the hurt of a child that walks away from the faith. With that stated, I would yet appeal to parents that perhaps just don’t get it when it comes to assuming responsibility for spiritual leadership in the home. Consider some sobering research from the Barna Group done last November. Their survey revealed that Busters (those born between 1965-1983), who are the parents of today’s teenagers, tend to follow their peer groups when it comes to sexual affairs, pornography, homosexuality, and sexual fantasies. It is my observation that teenagers rarely embrace a Biblical worldview if their parents do not. Teenagers face monumental challenges when it comes to a life of moral purity. Technology alone almost guarantees those challenges. Today’s teenagers are hit from every angle. From the text message they receive, the email they open, the website they go to, the podcast they download, to the evening television show they watch- virtually everything is calculated to work against them. Back to parents- namely, those of you that have young children- start now to share Christ with your children through your words and lifestyle. The research used to say that if you do not reach a child before they are eighteen years old, you have a hard time doing so. That has changed. Today, if you do not reach a child by the age of eleven, you only have a four percent chance of reaching them!What can you do? Work hard and work constantly on having a healthy relationship with your kids. You don’t have to be cool (they don’t want you to be cool) but you do have to spend time with them. Each age is different but if you are willing to spend time and listen now and make them a part of your life now, they will want you to be a part of their life as they grow. In addition, show them by example that Christ, Christian values, the church and serving others are all major priorities in your life. (You can not fool children for long. They know if you are bored with Christianity.) This means that as parents we must have a growing and abiding relationship with Christ. This relationship is one in which we live to honor Him and love that which He loves and do that which He commands. The stakes are high. However, our kids are worth the investment of our best. Next week, I plan to share why this is so.


Pastor Chuck