The Next Generation
An extremely important topic for me and for our churches is that of training the next generation of leaders. Generation Z is coming of age, and many of us are concerned about their ability to advance God's Kingdom around the globe, to lead their families in the paths of truth, or to do much of anything besides play video games and text at the rate of 180 words per minute. It is one of my goals that my children have their spiritual beliefs and convictions developed before they leave home. And when I say "leave home," I don't mean for a week or two at camp or heading off to college for a semester. I know there is a lot of growth that takes place during these transition times in a young person's life. But before they start their own families or have their own address, it is important for them to be grounded and settled in their theology and practice.
So, how do we help our children to develop a deep and personal relationship with God. Of course, salvation is the most important step in this process because without that, there is no relationship at all! But beyond that, what can we do to encourage our youth and train them to live for the Lord?
I think there are four steps that are both Biblical and practical in helping our young people in this area.
1. Parents must prioritize the training and teaching of their children.
In Deuteronomy 6, God places the responsibility of training the next generation squarely on the shoulders of parents. This will not happen if we don't plan for it and follow through. It entails more than just reading Bible stories before bed, although that is a great thing to do. It also includes giving practical life applications and doctrine to our children. Help them figure out how to work through a difficult situation with a friend. Instill in them a strong character and work ethic. When they are faced with a problem, take them to Scripture and give them direct teaching on the issue, as well as examples from Biblical characters. Memorizing Bible passages and singing songs and hymns of the faith will help embed truth in their hearts and minds, too. The Bible is God's Word to us, and knowing it will help us to know Him. And when we know God, we are less likely to stray from Him or rebel against Him.
2. Parents must be the right kind of example.
This is commanded in I Timothy 4. Notice that I did not say "be an example," but rather, "be the right kind of example." Whether you like it or not, you are an example to your children. But you must choose what kind of example you will be. Will you make church attendance a priority, or will it take a back seat to sports or "important" TV programming? Will you make the hard choices for integrity's sake, even if it means you don't get the promotion or the raise at work? Will you learn to control your tongue and your temper, or will you use the excuse, "That's just how I am! You might as well get used to it!" Children have the uncanny ability to pick up on so many things. That's why God listed all these areas in which we are to point others back to Him: in word, in lifestyle, in love, in spirit, in faith (or conviction), and in purity. So choose to be the right kind of example to those who are watching your every move.
3. Answer the hard questions.
Typically in my house, this hard question has just one word: "Why?" But it is so important to help our kids understand why we do what we do. Unfortunately, there was a whole generation of Christians that were given lists of do's and don'ts, but rarely was a reason for those lists given. Many people of that time era have just concluded that all boundaries are worthless and have tossed them to the side. That is a reactionary move and biblically, a very unwise one. While there is a time and place for unquestioned obedience, it is important to give explanations and reasons when possible.
As an example, there seems to be quite a bit of talk about modesty these days. How do I work through this issue with my children? Start with Scripture.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” (I John 2:15)
"That the aged women be in behavior as becometh holiness...That they may teach the young women to be...discreet, chaste,…." (Titus 2:3-5)
Do a word study with your family. As we look up the word chaste, we find that it means "innocent, modest, pure." Seeing that will help your younger ones to understand Scripture better, and doing this research will teach them how to study the Bible for themselves. As we continue to meditate on these verses and consider what God is teaching us, we begin to realize that modesty includes our inner motives and heart attitudes, as well as the way we dress.
If there is a specific "why" in the Bible, go to that passage often. The above passage with the word chastecomes from Titus 2:5. The end of that verse gives a specific answer to the question, "Why must I, as a Christian woman, exemplify modesty in my life?" The answer is so "that the Word of God be not blasphemed." That is a great reason! It isn't because God is sexist or because men are lustful. It is so that the unsaved will not speak evil of God's Word. A woman who claims to be Christ's follower must not be just like everybody else. We are set apart, different from the world for a reason: God's glory.
4. Give your children real life practice in handling these issues.
The verses in I Timothy 4 are actually written to young people. "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers…." Allow your children serve in the church. Let them be active in your community. Encourage them to find outlets for their spiritual gifts. But at the end of the day, bring them back home and talk. Talk about what went well. Talk about what went wrong. Discuss the things they heard and saw. Talk about the whys again. And again. Keep that communication open and flowing, so that your children know they can always come to you with any and all questions, problems, mistakes, or blessings.
It's hard work parenting the children God has given us. It's time consuming, too. But it is commanded, and it is worth it - because in the end, you are training the next generation of servant leaders for Christ, the next generation of families, of your government, of your work force, of citizens. This investment pays off for everyone with great dividends.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (III John 4)