Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe,
in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 (WEB)
Several young families sit in the same section as my husband and me at church every Sunday. Each family has two or more children of various ages, and these families interact with each other even outside of church. The adults show genuine care for the children and take seriously their responsibility to nurture them in the love and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
They are faithful in attendance and participate in many activities offered by the church.
While it is certainly evident that the children’s practical needs are met, these adults have not forgotten about the spiritual duty they have to teach God’s moral law to their children. Some of the most striking examples are the way they model self-respect, modesty, and good manners.
Another lesson even the youngest children have learned is how to demonstrate Christian love and fellowship in the body of Christ. They know how to greet other believers and visitors in a friendly, (safe) way maintaining eye contact and engaging in friendly conversation.
These children have learned that church is a special time to worship God, and you never see them using cell phones or drawing attention to themselves; instead, they participate in the service.
I am not saying these kids, and their families are perfect; they are normal people with everyday struggles. However, they are standout families who make Jesus irresistible to the world. Set apart, they reflect the Savior, and I can’t wait to see where each will be in ten years. I haven’t met them all, only a few, but I am grateful to have watched them over the years. They are a testament of joy and blessing to my husband and me, and I know their lives will honor God as much then as they do now.
Only true believers can accurately model Christ to the lost and hurting world. Many fake believers try, but when you compare the lives of true believers you will see the difference. These families fit Paul’s description in the verse below.
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God in those who are saved and in those who perish: to the one a stench from death to death, to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (WEB)
However, keep in mind, even believers can be misled by falsehood when they approach their relationship with God with apathy. This is an abuse of His grace and brings misery.
Below I have pasted some links about Bible characters who got their start as kids. Why not learn a bit more about them? Teach these stories to the children in your own life.
Jesus at Twelve Teaching Adults Luke 2:41-52
The little girl that saved a general 2 Kings 5
Samuel is called by the Lord 1 Samuel 3
Jeremiah’s big task Jeremiah 1
Josiah the eight-year-old king 2 Kings 22
Share the Gospel in your world! Be a part of this wonderful Good News!
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News…
Isaiah 52:7 (Paraphrased)
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 