Pray and Teach

Last evening I sat in the Church I attend while the children performed their annual Christmas music/play. As I watched the children I couldn’t help but wonder where they will be, and what they will be doing in a few years. One of the boys never said (read: sing) a word. I don’t know if he didn’t know the words and music, or just doesn’t sing/speak in public. One kid figited so much no one knew what his next move would be. Some sang and spoke with wonderful little voices, others — not so much. Yes, they were all cute, lloveable, sweet, bright, . . .add whatever words you like, and I’ll agree.

I couldn’t help but wonder how many of them would be “out of Church” before they finish college.  It’s a reality that most will flirt with that idea even if they don’t follow through. Unfortunately many (considering the statistical average) will wander away during their high school/college years, and some will never come back.

What a sad commentary. Maybe the tendency to “stay away” begins to take formation early in their lives. At a program like this one, many of the adults you see are not the folks who are regular in Bible Study and Worship. As it turns out, the kids often (but not always) mimic the behavior of their parents and their peers. That means there is good reason for every parent to be consistently faithful to their Church, and parents need to continue, as we always have, to monitor the “peers” our kids develop. 

You might even want to help with putting the Christmas program together. I bet your Church will welcome you with open arms.