Confessions of a Minister
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)
It’s one of the most popular verses of our age. Even among those who do not acknowledge Christ as Savior, this verse is known or at least heard of. It’s a very appealing verse to anyone, to know all we need to do is believe in Him. Then we will not perish, but we will have eternal life. This is Truth. But what did followers of God share with their children before this snappy little bit of truth came about?
It’s interesting to know there is a section of scripture just as popular in the ancient times as John 3:16 is today. In Deuteronomy chapter 6, we find words that were passed down through generations. Verses that were probably among the first a Jewish child would learn. They are verses that would do us well to remember today.
Throughout the chapter we find instruction for raising a child, and are reminded to pass on these things of highest importance. Not wealth, not possession, not cattle, not even the secret family recipe. The most important thing a family passes on is their faith. This comes to a crux in verses 4-9:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (NRSV)
This portion of scripture would easily be called the John 3:16 of it’s day. You could ask anyone, and they could recite it to you. They learned it from when they were very young, and passed it onto their children as well. It was not just a popular verse, it was how they were called to live. But wait; if this message if for the children of God, and we are the children of God; that means this message if for us also?
We take our children to Sunday school. We watch Veggie Tales at least once a week. They go to VBS every summer. Our teens are actively involved in youth group! Aren’t we doing enough?
As someone involved in ministry to children, I have to apologize on behalf of the ministry we’ve been doing for years now. Time after time, in situation after situation, we’ve collectively said to families “we’ll take care of thisâ€, when it comes to spiritual formation of children/teens. What started with parties and afterglows and big fancy worship services to draw them in, and has evolved into real discipleship and growth in Christ Jesus…still falls so short of what God calls us to as His Church. Many parents depend completely on the church for the religious upbringing of their children. Many churches gladly steal that role from the parents. It’s becoming more and more common. It’s becoming easier, as it moves from one generation to the next. But God is calling for THIS generation to end that pattern.
Does that mean we should pull our children and teens out of church? No way! Besides wanting to keep my job, I think it’s vital to teach our children the value of community and help them experience being a part of the collective body of Christ. But what it does mean is we begin to live the truth found in Deuteronomy chapter 6. That our homes would be the number one place where spiritual formation happens. That we would love the Lord with all of our family’s heart, soul, and might. Not just memorizing the scriptures, but binding them to what we do, what we represent, and what our home is all about. Passing on our rich heritage as God’s children. Sharing the stories about where we’ve come from, and where God has brought us. Talking about these things with our children, and as they grow, instilling this same pattern in their lives as well. This is family. This is being a parent. This is the Will of God. His good, pleasing, and perfect will…
