Dear Fellow Children of God,
Do you ever look at Facebook? Sometimes in their posts people make somewhat
revealing personal statements about the stresses of life.
I saw a Facebook post (Actually, I’ve seen more than one
such post.) in the past year where someone posted about being a “bad mom.” Let me say I know this person and they are a
good mom, loving, responsible, and attentive.
However, in this instance the mom had tried to take care of her children
but, in spite of her best efforts, the children still encountered some
difficulties from which mom had been trying to protect them. Her words about being a “bad mom” were more
words of frustration than they were words of fact.
With all that said, what does it take to be a good mom or, for that matter, a good dad?
Actually, God talks a lot about being a good and godly parent throughout the
Bible. There are obvious jobs of a
parent like providing for children and protecting them, and having compassion
on one’s children. (e.g. Matthew
7:10-11, Psalm 103:13).
However, there
is one role for parents that God states again and again in Scripture. A parent who follows the direction God gives teaches their children about God. Perhaps the best known verse that shares this
direction which God has for parents is found in Proverbs 22:6. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn
from it.” However, you can
also find these instructions in Deuteronomy 6:1-7, Mark 10:13-15, Ephesians
6:4, and many other Bible verses.
Teaching children about God makes sense if you think about it. Since God gives life and health, love and
forgiveness, where else would I want to bring my children than to the presence
of God? Teaching children about God and
His love for me in Jesus gives my child what I really want for them ; God’s
love in this life and eternal life in heaven.
I share these thoughts on parenting because St. John is offering Vacation Bible School again this coming
week, Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 7, from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. What a great help to parents as they seek to
teach their children about God! There
will be singing, stories, crafts, games, and snacks at VBS. I have heard many parents over the years say
how much their children enjoyed the experience.
Some parents have told me how their children continue singing the songs
they learn. Friendships have been made
that help children continue growing in Christian faith. Vacation Bible School can really help a
parent teach their children about God!
As a father, and now a grandfather, I know that many times I have come up
short in what I would like to do as a father and for my children. What a blessing to know that Almighty God
cares about our children and wants them to live in his eternal love. What a great opportunity to share God’s love
with our children and grandchildren, bringing them to VBS!
I hope to see you, your children, and your grandchildren
at VBS this coming week.
A Child of God, Seeking to be a Faithful Parent and
Grandparent,
Pastor Jonathan
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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ - I am
sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and
friends whose e-mails I have. (I am always adding new names of friends
and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first
time.) However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me
know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if
you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me
their e-mail address.
****
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