Many of you older women may remember Virginia
Oliver, wife of R. C. Oliver. She once told me that she wanted
to write an article about teaching little children to worship.
She has since departed from this life. I cannot write what she
would have written, but I will attempt to make some suggestions
that might be helpful to our young mothers.
In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Moses taught the children
of Israel that they should teach God's commandments to their children
and "talk of them when you sit down in your house, when you
walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."
How important it is for our children to learn
and obey God's word today. Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:5, remembered
the faith that was in Timothy, which had been first in his grandmother
Lois and his mother Eunice. Paul wrote to the young man Timothy
so he would know how to behave in the church, the body of Christ.
(1 Timothy 3:15)
Teaching our children to worship must begin soon
after their birth. As your baby grows, have him or her sit quietly
on your lap or beside you on the seat. Give him or her a small
Bible. Always deal very quietly with children during services.
Give them soft, quiet toys no musical or talking toys. A child
should not be standing up entertaining the people who are sitting
behind you. After all, those people have the responsibility of
concentrating on the worship service.
On the way to the church building, it is good
to talk with your children about how we should behave in the worship
services. When children are very small, they will not understand
the full meaning of worship and why they should be quiet, but
they will understand that we want them to be quiet.
It is good to keep your children with you. If
you need someone to help you, select a willing person from the
congregation to sit with you, but explain to that person what
your expectations for your children are.
At home, talk with your children about good behavior
and learning about Jesus. Talk with them about singing. "Practice"
at home: Sit down; read from God's word; sing a hymn; have a prayer.
Encourage your children to sing during the worship service.
School age children can take a notebook and pen
or pencil to write down things they hear while listening to the
sermon. Make sure they have their own Bibles with them. Let us
leave those video games at home! Children need to listen.
In conclusion, be consistent. Teaching children
is an ongoing job. We all make mistakes as we learn how to help
our children to do their best. Do not become discouraged. "And
let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall
reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9). Rt. 5 Box
1468, Salem, WV 26426.