“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverb 22:6
Being a Sunday school teacher for more than 35 years, I have seen many changes in our young people. One change in particular has me very concerned.
In the past, the majority of children in my classes had a basic understanding of some biblical truths. They knew who God was, and where He dwelt. They knew about Satan, and where those that do not go to Heaven go — Hell. Most knew who Jesus was and what Christmas and Easter were really about. They knew about sin, what it was, and that it did not please God. Most knew about the Bible, and that it was God’s Word. However, that was then; but today is nothing like the past.
Many children now come to my classes, some even in the fourth and fifth grades, and do not have a clue about what was once the basics. When asked about who God is, who Jesus is, to name some sins, or what the Bible is the newcomers look back at me with glazed looks. They do not know what I am talking about. Each year the numbers increase of those that do not know the above basics.
Who is at fault for this great lack of understanding in our young people? Certainly some of the blame must fall on the schools they attend. No longer are they allowed to pray in most schools. The Bible is no longer read, as it had been for over 100 years. God is rarely discussed positively in schools, although He is mocked and often cursed. Moral truths are also questioned, forbidden, and are now replaced with positive input on what once were moral taboos.
Although too many churches have a long time ago fled from preaching biblical truths, they cannot receive all the blame for people’s ignorance, as fewer people are attending them. Television programs and other worldly influences also share some of the blame, but not all. “Well then, where does the blame for our young people’s ignorance of biblical teachings really lie?” It lies squarely on their parents.
Moral training has always been the responsibility of the children’s parents. It is the parents that should be instilling into their children what is right and wrong. It should be the home where the children are instructed what the Bible teaches, and where its principles are practiced. These life-directing moral teachings should not be entrusted to complete strangers, of whose morality, beliefs, and practices are usually unknown.
Why is it so important to know the biblical basics, one may wonder? One important reason is that a society cannot exist together unless there are moral boundaries. The Bible is the only source that relays the mind of God, and what He knows we should do or not do. It reveals that lying, adultery, stealing, disobeying authorities, deceitfulness, fornication, murder, unkindness, covetousness, and a host of other sins are against a Holy God and have severe consequences for those committing them and also for others in society. Removing the Bible and its teachings remove those protective borders. This is why most are not bothered by sin anymore. They do what they think is right. That thinking leads to ever increasing anarchy, and ungodly behavior.
Teaching and practicing biblical principles also are important in having a successful life. God warns us not to commit sin, because he knows it will ruin the sinner’s life and others around them. God’s Word also reveals the only way one can go to His Heaven one day, which is the most important decision any person will ever make.
The moral boundaries and biblical truths have been hidden and beaten down, and if a brighter and safer future for your young people is wanted, then biblical principles must be taught at home. Have daily Bible devotions; read portions of the Bible. Find a church that believes and practices the whole Word of God. Consider putting your children in a good Christian school, or homeschool them if it is discovered that the school they are attending is teaching principles contrary to what the Bible teaches. Go to school meetings, sit in on classes, and review your children’s school books to see what they are being taught. Your children are your responsibility, and your most important treasure. See to it that they are not ruined by teachings contrary to what God wants them to learn.
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4
“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.” Psalm 78:4
I give honor to my wife who left a career as a professional to teach our children at home. Together, we have managed to do this for around 15 years. She has about 4 years to go. I know God will bless her for this effort, she has borne the brunt of it.
When our oldest was school age, we felt like we had little choice. The government schools or Catholic schools were the only offerings near us. Where we live, this was an extremely odd choice at the time. However, I am glad to say that within the church circles we travel, the child in the government school is the exception these days, with many being taught at home.
I will tell anyone who thinks about attempting it, that God will give you the ability. I know mothers who barely got through High School themselves that have done a remarkable job. Although it will introduce a whole new element into your home, again, God will help you with that. It is not cheap…the materials being the least of the cost, but God will provide and reward. People will question and ridicule you, but God will give you the answers.
It has been well worth it. Bro Brinkworth, none of the children I know that are home schooled would fit into the category you described, they are Bible savvy. When you teach them, they challenge you with their questions.
One lady commented to my wife, “I would give anything to be able to do what you are doing”. Well, it was totally within their reach, but she would have to quit her job, sell the 2 cars they didn’t need, move out of the subdivision with the hundred dollar millionaires…a choice she would not make. She did not REALLY mean it.
Thanks Bro Brinkworth.
Yes, it is a sacrifice. But, as someone told me when I was a poor, single parent, “You say you can’t afford to put your child in a Christian school, but how much would you pay to get your child off of drugs.” That sunk in, and although it was financially hard, I made sure my daughter always had Christian education. It can be done! It just depends on where your priorities are!!