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Stewarding Spiritual Development in Today's Young Hearts
In a quiet church foyer, a moving scene unfolded recently that greatly touched my heart. A young boy, about ten years old, stood silently beside his mother as she conversed with another parent. His eyes wandered longingly toward a group of children animatedly discussing the upcoming Memory Verse challenge event. Sensing his interest, his mother gently squeezed his shoulder and whispered, "I'm sorry, honey, but you can't join them this time. We have your soccer tournament that day." The disappointment in his eyes lingered with me long after they had walked away.
This fleeting moment highlighted a troubling reality: despite our best efforts and the numerous opportunities we provide for our children's academic and social success, their spiritual growth often takes a back seat. Amidst our packed schedules and pursuits of achievement, we must ask ourselves—are we unintentionally neglecting our children's spiritual well-being in our homes and churches?
The biblical example of Samuel the prophet serves as a stark testament to this reality. From his godly childhood, Samuel grew widely revered across the land, from Beersheba to Dan, known for his prophetic accuracy and esteemed integrity. Yet, it's concerning to learn that his own children did not walk in the ways of the Lord. Could this happen in the household of such a devout man of God? Perhaps Samuel's extensive travels, journeying throughout the year from city to city, led him to inadvertently overlook the spiritual needs of his family.
As parents, we all take our roles seriously, committed to providing our children with emotional, financial, physical, and spiritual support. We prioritize their education, healthcare, and overall well-being, sacrificing extensively to ensure their success. Similarly, as a Church, we are deeply engaged in various activities and conventions, striving to build up a remnant for the kingdom. Yet, despite our passion and unwavering efforts, we may inadvertently overlook signs of spiritual neglect in our children.
The Negligent Ostrich: A Metaphor for Modern Parenting
The book of Lamentations mourns the fall of Jerusalem, painting a striking picture in Verse 4:3 of spiritual neglect: "Even jackals offer their breasts to nurse their young, but my people have become heartless like ostriches in the desert." Historically, ostriches were seen as neglectful parents, leaving their eggs vulnerable and unguarded. This metaphor resonates today as we reflect on our children's spiritual nourishment.
While we strive to excel as parents by our own terms, Scripture humbles us, calling our best efforts 'evil': "If ye then being evil, know how to give good things to your children." This sounds outrageous, but it underscores our limitations, contrasting our 'best' with God's absolute goodness. Though we may meet our children's physical, emotional, and academic needs by mortal standards, God's mandate places spiritual nurture above all. His purpose stands as the ultimate source of true goodness.
So, despite our best intentions, there's a risk of neglecting their spiritual development in God's eyes. This metaphor prompts us to evaluate how we foster our children's spiritual growth. Are we providing them with the nurture they need to flourish continuously in faith? Or are we inadvertently leaving their spiritual development exposed, like unprotected ostrich eggs in the desert? Lamentations 4:4 further illustrate this neglect: "Because of thirst, the infant's tongue sticks to the roof of its mouth; the children beg for bread, but no one gives it to them." This verse reveals the consequences, showing not only physical deprivation but also the deep spiritual hunger that can afflict our youth when their spiritual needs are overlooked.
The Nurturing Eagle: A Model for Spiritual Guidance
In contrast, Deuteronomy 32:11 offers a graphic metaphor of an eagle's nurturing care for its young: "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft." This imagery, representing God's way of leading His people, illustrates how eagles diligently prepare their offspring, challenging them and cultivating resilience through disruption and real-life practice, imparting invaluable lessons along the way.
In today's context, churches are involved in commendable activities and programs. However, there is often a tendency to prioritize experiential engagements that blend the worldly and spiritual domains instead of separation and essential discipleship. Additionally, church budgets frequently prioritize adult programs aimed at the spiritually mature, potentially overlooking significant investment in the spiritual development of youth and new disciples.
Drawing inspiration from the eagle's nurturing behaviour, parents and church communities can actively nurture by challenging existing norms, urging each generation to equip youth for a resilient and purposeful future. By prioritizing this commitment, we strengthen our children's faith foundations and empower them to thrive spiritually amidst life's challenges and cultural shifts.
Dr. James Dobson, a prominent Christian leader, underscores this responsibility: "Children are not casual guests in our home. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built."
The Pleading Jesus: A Call to Prioritize the Next Generation
In His final moments, burdened by excruciating pain and facing the cross, Jesus' thoughts turned unexpectedly to the future generation. Despite His suffering, in Luke 23:28, He tenderly said to the Daughters of Jerusalem, "Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children." This poignant message reveals Jesus' profound concern for the spiritual well-being of the next generation, even in His darkest hour. His dying plea resonates as a powerful mandate for both parents and the church.
To honour Jesus' plea and to fortify the Church for generations to come, it is incumbent upon us to prioritize their spiritual nurture, preparing them to be resilient ambassadors of faith in an increasingly challenging world.
The neglect of our youth's spiritual needs is not merely a passing concern but a critical issue that will profoundly shape the future of our homes and churches. Children are not just the future; they are the heartbeat of the Church today.
As parents and as a church community, we are entrusted with a sacred stewardship. Like faithful stewards, we must give a compelling account of how we have nurtured the spiritual growth of our youth. This stewardship goes beyond programs and activities—it requires genuine investment, sacrificial love, and steadfast prayer.
Let us heed the call of Jesus, who entrusted us with the task of shepherding His little ones. May our hands be found diligent in guiding and equipping the next generation to walk in the ways of the Lord.
As published in KE Igniter: June 2024 Edition
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