Teach Them

This morning, I read scripture reminding us to tell our children and the next generation about God.

Below is a story from my past…

One morning in my seventh summer, I held my breath with excitement as I lined up for Vacation Bible School. I stood with the other children outside the church, ready to march inside to music from the piano. I’d awakened with a scratchy throat and achy head, but I ignored the sensations. Then my mother bent down to take a close look at me. “Shirley, what are those red blotches on your neck?” She quickly determined I had measles. “You need to go home and go to bed!” Disappointed, I trudged slowly home and put myself to bed. I had been anticipating Bible School for weeks. I knew there’d be stories, snacks, and crafts that I’d miss out on.

I always looked forward to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School was a bonus. It didn’t matter that our classrooms were tiny basement rooms with little or no decoration. I loved Bible stories and singing songs about how much Jesus loved me. I memorized Scripture that has stayed with me to this day. Now, reciting verses in my head when I cannot sleep serves me well and gives me wonderful thoughts as I finally drop off to sleep (from Beyond Second Chances: Heartbreak to Joy).

Where did you learn about God? From your parents? A faithful grandmother? A teacher? Wherever it might have been, it’s up to us to pass it on. We live in a godless society. If we don’t tell our kids, who will?

The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them (Mark 10:15-16 MSG).

That must be why we’re called “children of God” or a “child of God”. This is a reminder to you–and me– that our society will continue its downward trend unless we wake up and tell our children. It’s so important. They want to hear the stories. We are constantly reminded from Jesus how we must have faith as children. It’s up to us and no one else. But it isn’t too late. Start now.

One of my favorite parts of my job as an elementary librarian, was reading stories to the children about how God worked in people’s lives as well as stories of characters in the Bible. They always listened when I read. I believe they want to know more. I taught in a Christian school, but in my elementary years, even in public school, the teacher often talked or read from the Bible.

It’s time for us to not be quiet about our faith, but share it to the next generation. If not us, then who?