Raising the Children of Christians

Peter Debelak · 07-11-2008, 07:45 PM

As a new father, I consider this topic often in these days. In doing so, I have reflected much on my experience, being raised in the LC.

When I lived in Anaheim, the order of the day was the program which had children saved by the 6th grade (really, it was a curriculem) and "Journey through the Bible" toward that end. In the Midwest, where I'm from and now live, there are "new efforts" such as MountainTop and Ignite. So many ways and means...

My most fundamental concern is this: when we engage in Christian and "spiritual" activities with our children, do we have faith?

Let me unpack that. First, there is certainly principles about raising children under the law - which is a "child conductor." Teach them to respect their elders; to be kind to others - raise them in Matthew 5. This just produces good character and, if they really internalize this stuff, it won't be long till they realize they need a Savior...

But do we need to raise them in "Christianity" - always "nudging" them toward salvation or (after they're saved and baptized at age 6) toward their greater sanctification?

It seems to me that our practice wreaks of a lack of faith. Let me ask: do we believe God is true? Do we believe that "God arranges men's seasons that he might grope for Him"? Do we believe that, faced with the vacatness of this life, with a realization of personal poverty, that man realizes and recognizes His need for a savior when he hears the gospel?

If so, what are we teaching for? Really. Life out there has so much more to offer kids, in terms of growth and potential, than being in a "social club that happens to talk about Jesus." Are all our "programs" trying to make up for the GLARING fact that our kids don't have much conviction?

I say (and by "say", I mean "question"...), let them fall head first into the emptiness of the world - while focusing my efforts as a parent on infusing into them an upright character and a life that is constantly seeking after truth.

The references to "training" or "inspiring" or "instructing" children of Christians are almost nil in the New Testament (correct me here if my memory is failing me).

God promises "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord your God will call." Acts 2:39. Do we believe Him or do we need to "construct" our children's salvation?

Am I being to "over-spiritual"?

Peter

07-11-2008, 07:45 PM	#1
Peter Debelak I Have Finished My Course Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Avon, OH Posts: 303	Raising the Children of Christians As a new father, I consider this topic often in these days. In doing so, I have reflected much on my experience, being raised in the LC. When I lived in Anaheim, the order of the day was the program which had children saved by the 6th grade (really, it was a curriculem) and "Journey through the Bible" toward that end. In the Midwest, where I'm from and now live, there are "new efforts" such as MountainTop and Ignite. So many ways and means... My most fundamental concern is this: when we engage in Christian and "spiritual" activities with our children, do we have faith? Let me unpack that. First, there is certainly principles about raising children under the law - which is a "child conductor." Teach them to respect their elders; to be kind to others - raise them in Matthew 5. This just produces good character and, if they really internalize this stuff, it won't be long till they realize they need a Savior... But do we need to raise them in "Christianity" - always "nudging" them toward salvation or (after they're saved and baptized at age 6) toward their greater sanctification? It seems to me that our practice wreaks of a lack of faith. Let me ask: do we believe God is true? Do we believe that "God arranges men's seasons that he might grope for Him"? Do we believe that, faced with the vacatness of this life, with a realization of personal poverty, that man realizes and recognizes His need for a savior when he hears the gospel? If so, what are we teaching for? Really. Life out there has so much more to offer kids, in terms of growth and potential, than being in a "social club that happens to talk about Jesus." Are all our "programs" trying to make up for the GLARING fact that our kids don't have much conviction? I say (and by "say", I mean "question"...), let them fall head first into the emptiness of the world - while focusing my efforts as a parent on infusing into them an upright character and a life that is constantly seeking after truth. The references to "training" or "inspiring" or "instructing" children of Christians are almost nil in the New Testament (correct me here if my memory is failing me). God promises "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord your God will call." Acts 2:39. Do we believe Him or do we need to "construct" our children's salvation? Am I being to "over-spiritual"? Peter __________________ I Have Finished My Course