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Parenting is challenging. The top of the Christian parent challenge list would be, “Will my child be faithful to Christ into adulthood?” The Fuller Youth Institute says 50% of students walk away from the church after they graduate High School. Our youth need:
Intergenerational relationships: Titus 2:1-5 says, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanders, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” The word retirement is not found in Scripture. Please mentor the next generation.
The influence of the family: Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents are the #1 influencers of spiritual growth of the child. Someone once said, “rotten wood cannot be carved.” Our influence begins early and must continue!
Someone to answer their questions: First Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Our kids want conversations, not just answers. Ignoring curiosity is not an option.
May these scriptures serve as reminders that to stay spiritually strong, our children need intergenerational relationships, the influence of family, and someone to answer their questions. Prayerfully consider how you can help!
Allen Jones (adapted)
Glasgow, KY
BulletindDigest.com