The Crosby, Stills & Nash song begins by saying,
"You who are on the road, must have a code that you can live
by" and, then, in the chorus, "Teach your children well."
Here we have a "hummable" or "singable" reminder
that, as parents on our journey to heaven, we are responsible
for shaping our children's minds. Of course, the Bible has already
given us that instruction, "You shall teach them (these words)
diligently to your children." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
As parents, we have many things to teach our children,
but, most importantly, we must teach them the Bible. We begin
when they are very young and build on simple truths and Bible
stories, laying the building blocks for a faith they must grow
on their own. A bonus to this at-home education is the church
Bible school program. It is here that children are exposed to
someone other than their parents teaching the same truths. However,
the Bible school program cannot do it all.
In order to teach our children well, we must be
aware of what they are being taught. While there is good literature
available, some contain denominational teachings or subtle references
to unscriptural things. If you are not sure what literature is
being used in your Bible classes, find out! Ask to see a teacher's
manual and student work book, and study it to make sure the truth
is being taught. The word of God does not need to be made into
a watered-down comic book. Children need to learn to read from
the Bible and know that they can read the Bible.
Mothers understand the reference to babies in
1 Peter 2:2, "As newborn babes, desire the milk of the word,
that you may grow thereby." Babies thrive and grow on milk.
We can also understand that children cannot go from only milk
to a T-bone steak; there are stages in between. Likewise, children
need to be taught the basics and, then, challenged as they grow.
If all we teach our children is Noah's ark and the creation, when
will they be ready to learn of Paul's missionary journeys or the
gospel or the conversion stories in Acts?
Ladies, do not sell our children short. God has
blessed us with amazing children who can learn His truths and
can understand. Remember with each day to teach your children
well. -105 Blanche Circle, Winchester, VA 22602. tsmdjm@verizon.net