Bringing home a newborn is overwhelming. There are diapers, bottles, and constant crying. Babies require 24-7 care, and it is an extraordinary challenge.
But as quickly as some of the tasks become routine, new challenges crop up.
Parents have to teach children … EVERYTHING.
How to eat, how to dress, how to clean up, how to talk, how to listen, how to use their hands and feet, how to do everything. And most parents understand that. It is up to us to teach them to say “please” and “thank you,” and to use “me,” “I,” and “myself” correctly.
But it is easy to get lazy. Parenting is exhausting! If there are schools and teachers involved, why should I have to explain a free-market economy for the umpteenth time? Do I really have to proofread papers and quiz my kid before the big exam?
No. I don’t have to do anything. But most parents WANT to help their children succeed. Shouldn’t I do all that I can to help my kids thrive? Parents already teach children to do things the parents enjoy, whether traveling, books, sports, or hobbies. If the Bible is important to me, surely I will teach it to my children? If George Foreman’s sons (all five of whom are named “George”) signed up for a boxing class, would dad be too busy playing on his phone to take an interest? No!
If scripture is important to you, you will teach it to your children!
It is the PARENTS’ job to teach the Bible to children, not the church’s job. The scripture makes that clear in many, many places.
“One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts” Psalm 145:4.
If you expect the church to teach your children the Bible, don’t be surprised when your children grow up ignorant and unenthusiastic about their faith.
When it comes to faith, parents are to be the EVERYDAY, CLASSROOM TEACHER; the church is an encouraging tutor who visits once a week.
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