It's happened over and over again: a mom and dad aren't particularly religious, don't attend church regularly, if at all, or mom and dad are at loggerheads about their different religious sects, and either try to bring the children to both of their churches, or don't bring them to church at all. The result is the same: these parents say, "Let the children decide on their own which religion they want when they're grown up." And what is the usual outcome: "When they are adults, the great majority will choose the easy way out and HAVE NO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS WHATSOEVER!!
Perhaps when you're young, this won't matter at all to you, but, I promise you, the older you get, the more important it will be to you and it will weigh on your mind what you should have done with your precious children. When several of my older children had left the nest for college or the Navy, my mom told me: "You had them fast, they will leave fast." It was so true! One day, your children are in diapers, then the next day, they're in school, then they're adults.
What are the benefits to your children if you bring them with you to church regularly while they're growing up? Even if they never set a foot in your church or in any church, they will have a set of beliefs concerning God that will be available to them in times of need. This benefit can not be understated! You know how tough life can be! Sometimes the only comfort a person has is knowing that God loves them and will guide them to a better life.
Other benefits of regular church attendance is the establishment of a support system. This, also, cannot be overstated. Church members love to help each other! One thing: I've heard from so many different folks: I left this church because when my ----- died, no one offered condolences, etc. Well, I wonder if those people let the church know about the death? I doubt if ministers and priests have time to scour the newspapers to check if anyone related to their 'flock' passed away.
Another excuse given for lack of church attendance is "I never get anything out of the service." What do you expect? To be dazzled and entertained? To have pumped-up music to your liking? Duh: the ultimate purpose of going to church is to worship God Almighty. He gives us the whole week; can't we give him at least an hour back?
Before you reject organized religion altogether, make sure you know what you are rejecting! If you have not bothered to read about and study your religion since you were a teenager, you still probably have an adolescent faith! We deserve a mature, adult faith! I hope and pray you find a faith so engaging that its depths are limitless, that the love you experience is limitless, that you become so 'on fire' with your faith that you want to spread it to everyone you know - especially your children!
I've known several teens to refuse to attend church or go to Sunday school with their parents. All were allowed to "make their own decision" except one. He was told, "You may reject the church. That is between you and God. But, by golly, you WILL know what you're rejecting. You have to come to church and Sunday school with us." And he did.
Lord in Heaven, today is your day again. I thank you for the privilege and honor of praying to you with my brothers and sisters in church today. It's so wonderful to see many of the people I know and meet some new folks. The best of all is hearing your Word! Thank you for loving us!
No comments:
Post a Comment