Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Growing Up Christian
My children are growing up Christian...that is, they are growing up in a Christian home where they are learning about God and His great love for us. They attend church regularly(2 times a week) and they are around mostly kids from Christian homes. That is a wonderful blessing...but it can also make an unrepentant child think they are saved. There are great dangers in that. With that in mind, I am going to be reading Growing Up Christian soon. I know a lot of my friends from church have already read this...but I am a little behind on reading lately and this is one I have had on my list for a while. I hope to blog about what I learn as I delve into such a serious topic...my children's salvation. Growing up in a Christian home does not guarantee that my children will profess Christ...it doesn't mean that they will seek Christ with all of their hearts, and it sure does not guarantee that they are His child. Only God can change hearts...we can help our children learn who God is, what He has done for us, and even how to honor God...but true heart change and true love for God has to come from the Lord. And when there is a true heart change we will see genuine fruit of salvation.
God does tell us to teach our children about the Lord all the time...so that is a commandment...and that may be how God works in their hearts through learning in our home about Christ. But, we have all heard about children who were raised in a *Christian* home who never lived for the Lord. I must be diligent to pray for the Lord to save my children and change their hearts toward Him.
I recently picked up a handout from our church. It has some great things on it to think about. It is in a chart form(which I love) and actually came from the book, Growing Up Christian. It made me realize that I must read this book SOON! Here is a few of the things that caught my eye:
Here is a quote from the author's blog that I thought explained how some *church kids* may think.
God does tell us to teach our children about the Lord all the time...so that is a commandment...and that may be how God works in their hearts through learning in our home about Christ. But, we have all heard about children who were raised in a *Christian* home who never lived for the Lord. I must be diligent to pray for the Lord to save my children and change their hearts toward Him.
I recently picked up a handout from our church. It has some great things on it to think about. It is in a chart form(which I love) and actually came from the book, Growing Up Christian. It made me realize that I must read this book SOON! Here is a few of the things that caught my eye:
What the world says:
You cannot know what is true. Truth is relative. There is no absolute truth.
What God says:
God is truth. His Word is the standard for truth. (Ps 119:142,151,160)
What the world says:
You must tolerate contradictory views; don't speak against the opinions of others.
What God says: Fear God and not man. (Ps 111:10; Prov 29:25; Matt 10:28)
The world says:
You have freedom of speech. It's only words.
God says:
We will give an account for every word we speak. (Matt 12:36)
Speak only words that are helpful. (Eph 4:29)
What the world says:
Take pride in yourself and your talents. You need to think highly of yourself to succeed in life. You can do anything you set your mind to. Promote your strengths, and you will get promoted.
What God says:
God is the source of all your talents. (James 1:17)
Think lowly of yourself. Be humble, and God will exalt you. (1 Peter 5:5) You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Phil 4:13) Boast in the Lord. (2 Corinthians 10:17)
Here is a quote from the author's blog that I thought explained how some *church kids* may think.
As church kids, we can tend to view ourselves as being pretty good and not having sinned much—at least no really awful sins. Although we would never say it aloud, we are tempted to think God got a pretty good person when he chose us to be part of his kingdom. We tend to erroneously see ourselves as having little sin and as having been forgiven of little sin. This way of thinking leads to a second danger church kids face: a lack of appreciation for the saving and forgiving grace of God.
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
6 Comments:
I have not heard of this but it sounds wonderful. I am looking forward to your thoughts on it but I think I might go ahead and order it as well.
Thanks!
I can't wait to read your thoughts on the book. This was an excellent post!! The quote at the end is, sadly, very true.
I might need to order this book also. I have a 15 year old that is starting to question things about the Bible, and this is upsetting me a little. I didn't have this problem with my other daughter. She is struggling with being in a public school, and trying to not "be of this world". I really hope she does appreciate God's grace. I do -- every time I look at her beautiful face............
This is something that's been on my heart for awhile, after I read an article a few years ago entitled, "Raising Pharisees." This sounds like a good book. I have been praying for my children, that although I believe them to be Christians, that they would repeatedly see and be acquainted with their true need for a Savior. Great post.
I haven't heard of this book but it sounds really good. I look forward to reading what you pull from it.
This subject always strikes a cord with me. I know that many of the friends I had growing up are no longer living the christian walk that they were raised to believe in. I don't know why. As a parent I think one of the hardest things would be to see my children turn away from God. I am very interested in this book!
Great topic. Rhesa and I both grew up "Christian." There are many blessings and many dangers. This subject is one of the reasons we are so passionate about working with youth, even we don't have any kids that age. The "christian" kids seem to have three possible outcomes: righteous contributor to the kingdom of God; vile apostate; or the most skilled hypocrite.
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