When a young person graduates high school we expect them to act a certain way. They should have knowledge and experience to start them in life. They should be prepared for whatever their next step (college, technical trade school, work) is in life. Thank you, teachers, for training these children.
When a person grows up “in the church” we expect them to have a firm grasp on their faith. Their relationship with God is something that has been developed over the years through Bible classes and a weekly sermon or two. They are fully prepared to face all the challenges of Satan and the world because they were there every Sunday for worship…and a few Wednesdays too. Thank you, preacher, for building their faith.
When a young person finds themselves lacking in knowledge, we blame the teacher or the education system. When a person faces trials and their faith is shaken and they turn from God to the world or themselves we blame the preacher. It is very easy to blame someone else for our loved ones falling short of the dreams that they have or that we have for them…but every time we point a finger there are three more pointing right back at us.
Yes, teachers and the education system are supposed to teach children skills and give them knowledge for the next phase of life. But homework is to be done at home. Parents are needed as well. Yes, the preacher takes on a great responsibility by proclaiming the Word of God, but the church must encourage, comfort and help strengthen its members as well.
Matthew 25:31-46 lets us know that we need to make sure we are caring for others. Matthew 18:1-6 tells us that anyone who causes a “little one” to stumble/sin will be in serious danger in eternity. We must be careful who we say is responsible for the well-being of others.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV)
{4} “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. {5} You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. {6} And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. {7} You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. {8} You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. {9} You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
{6} Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Thank you Lord for allowing us to influence others. Please help us to always use that ability to build and encourage each other. Help us to look to your word as an example. Thank you for giving it to us for that purpose. Help us to raise our children in homes where the primary influence is You. Help all parents to look to you for the example. Amen.
Thoughts From the Pew 