As our children were preparing their kids for a new school year, my husband and I decided to help them out with the purchase of some school supplies. Since we have been blessed with seven grandchildren, we had to set a limit of about $35 apiece. For the elementary students, this was only enough to cover most supplies on their class list, not including backpacks, the whole-class contributions such as facial tissues, disinfectant wipes, etc... and allowed for nothing extra.
Then came the one in middle school. I was able to buy a few art supplies, a couple of notebooks and a handful of folders, marking off only a quarter of the supplies on her list. I miss the days when I could get her everything she needed, plus a little something special, not asked for by her teacher.
I do not envy my children having to raise kids today. The price of public education, even without extra-curricular activities, is more than many families can comfortably afford. Unfortunately, for some families, such education is apt to do almost as much harm as good. This is not a reflection of most teachers, but of the influence those pushing political agendas have over our educational system. Unless parents can afford a private school or have the ability to homeschool; the public school system is an absolute necessity.
In today’s society especially, it is imperative that Christian parents counterinfluence the worldly views being pumped into our children for seven hours a day, five days a week, nine months out of the year. I shudder at some of the things my grandkids have to try and discern throughout their day. If parents are unwilling to have open conversations with their kids about what God’s word says regarding living life in Him, our society is going to continue to rapidly deteriorate.
One of the “cringe-worthy” things I have heard parents say, is how they would prefer to let their child decide for themselves, when they grow up, whether or not to follow Jesus. Yes, every child does have to make this decision for themselves. So, my question to this statement is always, “Are you giving them the information they need to make an informed decision about Jesus?”
God tells us in Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This is not a promise, as many want to hold God accountable to these words. God is telling us that this is a vital necessity when raising children. It is the parents who need to hold themselves accountable. Please know, I am not writing this out of judgement, or as if I have all the answers. On the contrary, I am writing because I have been there myself, and I recognize my shortcomings in this area. If I can help parents, and grandparents today in any small way, while honoring God, I want to do so.
I, myself, was raised with very little guidance regarding my spiritual growth. When raising my own children, I did my best to teach them a faith in Jesus; but frankly, I was growing up in this area right along with them. I would often look back on things I “coulda/woulda/shoulda” done (a nasty trap of the enemy) and beat myself up. Praise God, He is faithful. It has been a difficult road, but I am now seeing my imperfect efforts and prayer pay off. Although I always hoped He was at work, I am truly witnessing the hand of God in their lives. My once prodigal children are returning to the Lord and are also seeking out sound spiritual teaching for their own children – my precious grandchildren.
Our youngest has told me, it was more our actions than words that affected her journey. Although attending church, being involved in Sunday school and youth group was a critical part of her spiritual upbringing, it was what she witnessed at home that had the most impact on her. Seeing her father read the Bible every morning, praying before dinner and at bedtime, along with many conversations about Jesus, laid down a foundation and showed her we trusted and believed in Him. When she was little, I would do the sign of the cross on her forehead and say, “remember whose you are!” before giving her a kiss and sending her out the door. Still, I don’t know how many times in her teenage years, she sarcastically remarked, “not everything is about Jesus, Mom!” To which I always replied, “Yeah, it is.” She is now learning this truth for herself, and it is a beautiful thing to watch!
I love the use of the word, “way” used in the verse above, which put simply says, “show your kids the Way.” As it is clear from Scripture that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6a), this point is strong and clear. No parent will ever do this perfectly, nor will all children easily or quickly accept salvation through the grace given us through Jesus’ sacrifice. As a parent who has experienced the faithfulness of God in this, I can speak to the truth of this scripture. Putting as much (or more) effort into our children’s spiritual health as we do their education is the most important thing we will do as parents and grandparents. What they “become” when they grow up, will never be as important as to whom they belong!
Children (and adults) need God’s strength to navigate this world, even more-so today! Knowing the truth of God’s word is key. Without it, we cannot learn the character and love of God. If we do not know Him, we cannot build a relationship with Him or learn to follow His ways. We all need to understand the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in order to appreciate our own life’s purpose, and to accept His grace for life ever after. How to trust in and rely on Jesus above all else, is the most precious lesson a parent can teach their child… and that is worth far, far more than any and all school supplies!
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