Statistics show that children today spend an average of 30 hours per week in school where they are often taught ideas that are diametrically opposed to biblical truths, e.g., evolution, the acceptance of homosexuality, transgender ideology, etc. Then they come home to another 30 hours per week spent in front of a television bombarded by commercials and sitcoms or social media that portray homosexuality and abortion as normal and acceptable.
This is in contrast to the short time spent weekly in church. Not only that, our teens face a much different world than we did, and the propaganda to influence their beliefs is great.
I have often wondered why so many Christian teens drift away from God when they go away to college. Many research studies confirm that this is true and provide insights into why. But God’s Word is even more insightful.
#1 “Train a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV 84
Training children is the responsibility of the parents, not the youth leader, pastor, or Sunday School teacher.
One study found that when both parents were faithful and active in the church, 93 percent of their children remained faithful. But when neither parent was active at all and only attended church now and then, the percentage dropped to a mere 6 percent.
#2 In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said, “Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.” Luke 8:6
Jesus explained it like this,
“Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.” Luke 8:13 (emphasis mine)
The problem: no roots! So how do we ensure that our children are rooted in God’s Word? We must instill in them the importance of God’s Word. We do this most effectively by our example. Once they leave home, they WILL be tested. Will they be prepared?
“Blessed is the one …
whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
#3 “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
I found nothing in God’s Word that commands us to entertain them and make church fun. And even though church attendance is important, it is not the youth leader’s responsibility to prepare your child to go out into the world. It is yours.
#4 Pray for your children.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6
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