I read an article the other day by Adam Faughn from his email group, “A Legacy of Faith,” that was somewhat shocking and soul-searching. He has worked with youth for many years and talks about kids that are disinterested in church. They might show up but do not seem interested in what is going on or do not show up to anything else besides worship. It is easy to complain to elders or ministers that it is the church’s fault. Adam claims that parents might want to look at themselves.
Wow! That is the last place I want to look. I would like to think that I am doing a good job. Maybe you are; not all of our kids’ problems fall back on us. They are people who have to make their own decisions. But his point is, if the world has the parents then the world has an easier path to the kids. When parents do not participate in worship or are bored with worship, what do our kids see? When parents find more value in other things than being at worship, what do our kids see? When we make excuses for not doing the Lord’s work for worldly things, what do our kids see?
The reason this article was so tough is because I have to do some self-evaluation. Does the world have me? In my life do I seek first the kingdom of God? Do I set my mind on things above? Do I love the Lord my God with all my everything? If the blind lead the blind, they both fall into a pit. This article is not about throwing stones. Parenting is tough. The article that I read was a reminder to me to check my priorities because the most important thing I can do in my parenting is to set my kids a foundation in the Lord and point them to Him. I do that not only in word but in action. Prayers for you as you examine your life and try to raise kids for the Lord, and prayers for our kids that they can overcome our shortfalls.