Our world seems to be in rapid decline.
This may be a bleak way to start this article, but the chaos and turmoil all around us in the last year can’t be overlooked. It is not only the world at large that is at a pivotal moment, the church is as well. With the rise of a pandemic last year, most churches were shut down in our country for a time. When people get accustomed to not attending church they risk never going back.
After a few weeks some churches reopened and some chose to do drive in services. While drive in services may seem like a good alternative, fellowship and relationships suffer. One year after the initial closures, there have been some churches in our area that have not opened yet and as much as it breaks my heart to think of it, they may not return at all.
Sadly, already in 2021, several Canadian provinces have halted church services. How long will it be before the same happens here in America? It is sad to think that a pandemic could shut down the right to worship the Lord anywhere. While this may be with good intent by some, I believe it does not serve the greater good. Our country was founded on the Judeo-Christian values that are found in God’s Holy Word. The further we stray from these principles, the greater the risk of falling even deeper into depravity.
What role should the church play in our lives and in our families?
Marriages are failing at a desperate rate in the world and even in the church. The Lord said we must be equally yoked with our mate, meaning that we must marry someone who is a believer and loves and serves the Lord. If we are not following the Lord’s direction in this to find a believing mate we have already failed.
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” 1st Corinthians 6:14
Deuteronomy warns us to not sow two kinds of seed or the crop will be corrupt.
“You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole yield be forfeited…” Deuteronomy 22:9
Do you get the point? Bad company corrupts good character.
“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” 1st Corinthians 15:33.
If we keep evil or depraved company we will be led astray. If we have children in this type of environment, it will be difficult at best to raise that child in the way they should go. The way they should go is always toward the Lord!
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Your church family can play a pivotal role in the spiritual growth of your children. Jesus spoke in Matthew 19 that he wanted the little children to come to him in order that he may bless them.
“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’ And he laid his hands on them and went away.” Matthew 19:13-15
So, I have to ask, which direction are you heading? Is it toward the Lord? And if you are heading toward the Lord, are you bringing your children with you?
We must be people who dedicate our children to the Lord and bring them to Him. This includes being involved in your church and teaching them scripture from home as well. Friends, we have a great responsibility to the next generation. If we have been given the gift of salvation, our children must know that very same truth!