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Perhaps the most foolish statement I have heard from parents of young children goes like this,
"I do not believe in forcing religion on children. We are going to let them grow up and make
their own decisions about God, Jesus and what "church" they want to be a part of." How silly,
and indeed a dangerous and sinful attitude to have in regard to another person's soul!
Usually my response is, "Upon what then will they base their decision?" Decisions about eternity cannot be flippant, nor based upon ignorance! The garden cannot make up its own mind as to what crop it will yield. I have heard some say, "When my child gets to be 15 or 16 and can show himself to be responsible, I will let him decide if or when he comes to Bible class or worship." More foolishness! Consider, do we guide them to eat properly? Do we teach them to abstain from certain drinks, activities dangerous to their health? How many parents with this attitude will say, "Well, you are snorting cocaine. Be careful"? What is the difference between that and overlooking their drinking of alcohol? Do you know the number one drug upon which teens are dependent? Alcohol! Do we see to it that they get enough sleep, take baths, put medicine on their hurts? Of course! But what about that which will last for eternity? Why are these kind of people more concerned about their children's physical well-being than their spiritual well-being? Their reasoning sounds good at first, but in the light of these other matters, it loses its soundness. They reason that by "forcing" their children to attend class and assembly, they will grow up resenting it, their parents, and rebel and leave the church. But, if this is true, why do they not grow up resenting good food when they are hungry, medicine when they are sick, a bath when they are dirty, or a bed when they are sleepy? It just does not wash! There are many, many times more people faithful to the Lord who were "forced" to attend when young, than there are those who were left to decide on their own. Let us hear the end of such talk. Parents, take your children to Bible class and worship! "Nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4 ASV). Do not give them a choice. They are too young to make the best one anyway. That is why you do not read of "child converts" in the Bible. "Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6 ASV). Let us show our children the privilege and pleasure of serving God. Let us teach them to love and obey Him. |