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Our children need to know God
Pastor's corner
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I understand this is not the type of article some people like to read. However, when we think about the state of affairs concerning our children, I believe it is necessary. Too many of our children are headed in the wrong direction. I’m grateful for all the children who are on track and doing well, but for those who are falling by the wayside, I think this is good advice.
Solomon, one of the wisest men to ever walk this Earth, says in Ecclesiastes 12:1, “Remember now thou creator in the days of your youth.” And Apostle Paul states in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise your youth, but be an example of the believers in the word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Knowing God affects your character.
Many parents seem to be giving their children the things they did not have as youngsters. Some parents want to make their children’s lives better. They do not want their children to have to struggle in life as they did. However, instead of giving our children the things they want, we should give them the things they really need, which will go much farther than the tangible things in life. Give them a foundation in Christ. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:4 to bring our children up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Our children need to know about God.
When I say our children need to know God, I’m not talking about an intellectual knowledge of God. Most of our children know who God is. What I’m talking about is our children having a relationship with God. We need to lead our children to believe and trust in God. Notice I said lead them. You have to understand that we have to set the example for them.
In our society, many have fought to eliminate God in public. We have allowed prayer to be taken out of school. During Christmas, people fight to remove any display of Christ on public property. In some places, you cannot pray during public meetings. I remember having devotion in school and, as far as I can remember, we had fewer problems than we do today in our schools.
It is up to parents to ensure children have the opportunity to know God. You cannot make the decision for them to accept Jesus as their personal savior, but you can equip them with what they need to make good choices. Along with name-brand clothes and shoes, give your children Jesus. Along with iPods, MP3 players, PlayStations, cell phones and other material things, give them Jesus.
I must tell you that Heaven and Earth will pass away, but the word of God will last forever. In other words, clothes and shoes will wear out. Electronic devices will break down. However, knowing God will last forever.
I know many of our children do not like going to church or studying the Bible, but parents have a responsibility to teach them. If we ensure they get up every morning and go to school, why can’t we ensure they get up on Sunday and go to church? If children can watch television all night long, why can’t they gather around the table for prayer and Bible study? They may sometimes rebel, but many will thank you later. Be a good parent and give your children not only material things, but spiritual things as well. When our children move closer to the Lord, you will see a change in the home and a change in our society.

Jackson is the pastor of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.

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