March 18, 2020 | Coronavirus | Family by Mike Dowd
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Psalm 127:4
When read with verses 3-5, in Psalm 127:4 we see the value God places on children. Children are not simply arrows to be shot off into the world, with the hope they live godly lives. They are a gift or heritage from God and guiding them to God through a right understanding of the Bible is the greatest act of love you give them.
More than anything, your children need to know and walk in the truth – a truth that the world will tell them is a lie. This truth is revealed to us through God’s written word and has the power to make them wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). A truth that all-satisfying and abundant joy is found in Him alone and where saving faith is evidenced through a submission to the Savior.
Our desire to partner with you is not reserved for Sunday or Wednesday. We wish to maximize your child’s spiritual instruction by encouraging and equipping you, the parent, to pursue a God-glorifying vision for your children. This goal and aim is reflected in the Creek Kids vision statement of partnering with parents in the Biblical Discipleship of their children (Deuteronomy 6:4- 9).
“I don’t think there’s a mandate to be found in sacred Scripture that is more solemn than this one. That we are to teach our children the truth of God’s Word is a sacred, holy responsibility that God gives to His people. And it’s not something that is to be done only one day a week in Sunday school. We can’t abdicate the responsibility to the church. The primary responsibility for the education of children according to Scripture is the family, the parents.” - R.C. Sproul
Family Devotions
A fundamental definition of family devotions is simple. It involves setting aside a time together where the family will be devoted to God. This time includes reading and interacting with the Bible as well as a time of prayer and personal application. If desired, a time of worship (singing) can be included.
For parents who are starting, there is no need to feel intimidated or stressed. Don’t forget that you have already taught you children a variety of items from how to use a fork to the alphabet song. There are multiple things you can do in order to make your family devotions more productive and profitable:
- Have a regular, child-friendly, time set aside daily for family devotions.
- Guard the length of time you spend. You know your child’s attention span; stretch it, don’t expend it.
- Choose a location with as little distractions as possible. Put away all electronics (e.g. phones, tablets, computers, etc.)
- It is suggested (if possible) the father should lead family devotions.
“...the husband should feel a special responsibility to lead the family in a pattern of prayer and Bible reading and worship...He can still take initiatives to see that the family is a prayer-saturated, Bible-saturated family, working it out with his wife so that she uses her gifts (which may exceed his own) in Bible reading and Bible explaining.” - John Piper
- In various circumstances the father may be unable to lead family devotions. In these cases, the mother should feel free and encouraged that she is capable to lead with the full blessing of her Heavenly Father.
- Be flexible. Children’s attention spans vary from day to day; if one devotion goes smoothly while another does not, do not get discouraged.
- Have fun! Use accents when reading characters from the Bible. Occasionally plan a special snack following your time together.
Abundant Life
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
Parents be alert and encouraged. There are various avenues in which our enemy will try to seduce your children away from the life changing truths of the Bible. Trusting in Christ’s sinless life, substitutionary death, and physical resurrection is the only way that your child can have an abundant life. You are more than equipped to teach God’s Word. Start today and fulfill God’s command on your life to diligently disciple your children.
