Presented, December 25, 2005 am
WHAT OUR CHILDREN GET OUT OF CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Sometimes parents are challenged when it comes time to “go to church.” Especially young children who cannot sit still and while you make efforts time after time you wonder, “Why?” Is it really worth it to bring our children to worship services? How early should we bring them? What do our children get out of attending the worship services? In this lesson we want to notice a few things that maybe we have not given much thought to.
I. They Learn the Importance of Faithfulness.
a.
What is faithfulness?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word as, “Adhering firmly or
devotedly, as to a person, cause or idea; loyal.” (4th edition, 2000)
The Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament defines the word faithful as,
“To win over, persuade. Worthy of belief, trust or confidence.”
Thayer’s says, “Trusty, faithful. Used of persons who show themselves faithful
in the transaction of business, the execution of commands or the discharge of
official duties.”
As we use the word we speak of someone who is reliable and can be counted on to
do what he ought to do - In this case, one who is faithful to God.
b. Christians are expected to be faithful. – Matthew 25:21, “well done good and faithful servant”; 1 Timothy 4:10, 12 – “of those that believe” “example to believers” (same word)
c. That word may be hard to explain, especially to a child, but it is something that we can demonstrate (cf. James 2:18). We demonstrate our faithfulness to God by putting Him first in whatever we do in our lives. One of the BEST ways to demonstrate faithfulness is through attendance. It shows that we respect His commands (Hebrews 10:25) and that we desire to worship Him as He commands (John 4:24). It shows that in life we have priorities and God is of supreme importance. It demonstrates that we think about God first as we make plans for our lives?
d. Repetition. And this doesn’t happen when we only attend every once in a while. It comes by consistency and repetition. Every time we attend we are telling our children that our faith in God is important.
e.
What does our attendance say to
our children? Do they see worshipping
God as a priority in our lives? How much does it take to talk us out of
attending a worship service? Do we consider opportunities to attend worship
services when we make our plans and life decisions? What about when we are on
vacation? Do they see Sunday night and Wednesday night as less important than
Sunday morning?
Understand, as parents, we determine HOW faithful we will be in this. I
remember that as I was growing up I knew what we would do EVERY Sunday and
Wednesday evening. If we had something we wanted to do plans had to made
around those times. [Someone might say, “But you were the preacher’s kid!”
That is true, but so what! Why does that make any difference over the
responsibilities for every other Christian toward their children?] Sadly today,
many give little or no consideration to worship services when they enroll their
children in sports and other activities. I wonder if there are any (hopefully
not here) who will next Wednesday night miss Bible Study because of a football
game. What does this say to our children about faithfulness?
f. But when we attend every service we possibly can: Our children learn about priorities and faithfulness. And chances are they will follow our example when they leave home.
And there are other things they learn as well.
II. They Observe True Fellowship
a.
Much of the religious world confuses fellowship with food and fun. But
that is NOT what the Bible means when it talks about fellowship.
The word fellowship means to share or be in partnership with another. As used
in the Bible it usually has reference to our spiritual relationships (Acts 2:42,
1 Cor. 1:9, Phil. 1:5, 2:1, 1 John 1:3-7, etc.). It
involves unity in our thoughts, motives and actions.
When we assemble to worship God, all that we do is done with a spirit of
fellowship. We partake of the Lord’s Supper together (Communion – 1 Cor.
10:16) and sing together. When a prayer is offered, we bow our heads and pray
along with the one privileged to lead us. As the sermon is preached and
scripture reading is read we open our Bibles and follow along. Before and after
services we greet each other with joy and at times consolation showing the love
and concern we share with one another.
This bond also causes us to develop relationships that extend well beyond the
doors of the church building. We prefer each other and spend time together
in social and family settings. We keep in contact with each other and turn to
one another with our needs and joys.
b.
Again, while the word fellowship might be difficult to explain to a
child, when we assemble together they can observe it and at the earliest of ages
they begin to notice these things that in a few years they will begin to ask
questions about.
They can see how our relationships with our brethren are forged and center
around these times when we come together to worship God. Think about this while
we are on vacation – when we seek out a place to worship we are telling our
children this is important and not to be set aside. They need to know that
thinking about God on the golf course is not an acceptable substitute for
worshipping God with other saints.
III. They Learn about the Importance of Authority and Family
a. What is the best way to teach someone respect for authority? It is by respecting authority ourselves.
b. Sadly we live in a society that doesn’t respect authority as it ought to. I suspect that one of the greatest reasons for this breakdown is found in the home. Children are not taught that respect for others is important and they do not see it. They are allowed to watch rebellion and disrespect without consequence on television, in their music and sometimes the games they play. Some children are allowed to talk back to their parents without consequence. Parents don’t demand respect and accountability, especially when others are involved (i.e. Their children can do no wrong). The result of such is a great lack of respect in society for ALL levels of authority.
c. But ONE WAY we can instill the importance of authority in our children is by attending worship services. Because in so doing we are showing our respect for God’s authority. Children are commanded to obey their parents (Colossians 3:20). The best way for them to learn the importance of that is by observing others obey. Consider especially the impact of parents who demonstrate it by obeying God’s instructions exactly as He commands. When a child asks, “Why do we have to go to church?” we can answer, “because God has commanded us to worship Him and this is how we obey that command.” While we want children to respect our authority, more than that we want them to respect GOD’S AUTHORITY.
d. They can also observe the importance of a family to “serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15, Joshua said, “But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” While may not have opportunity to boldly proclaim that in a speech as Joshua did, we can teach it to our children by attending the worship services.
e. 2 Kings 17:34-41 – what we do as parents will have an impact on our children. When Israel was carried away into captivity, the Assyrians assimilated captives from other nations into their territory. When they attempted to worship in a way that would appease God, they compromised. This text speaks of their corrupt religion. Note vs. 41 which says these nations feared the Lord, and served their carved images. And their children and grandchildren “continued doing as their fathers did, even to this day.” If you attend faithfully you have a greater chance of your children attending. If you attend with divided loyalties, there is a greater chance that such is how your children will attend.
IV. They Learn God’s Word
a. NOTE: How much they learn correlates DIRECTLY with the amount they attend. While they might not hear much but the longer they attend the more they WILL hear and learn. AND when they attend Bible classes, sometimes the most neglected services, they have the potential to learn even more because that is where lessons are geared to their level, they can ask questions and they are surrounded by their peers. A well organized Bible class “program” is a pillar in a sound, godly church.
b.
Also, the more they attend, the more opportunities we will be given as
parents to teach them valuable lessons. Have you ever had your children ask,
“What did the preacher mean when he said…?” That gives you an opportunity.
Under the Old Law, parents were to teach and explain. Deuteronomy 6:6-9. When
the Passover was instituted in Egypt, Israel was given instructions to observe
it. Exodus 12:24-27 says it was to be done “as an ordinance for you and your
sons forever.” Then they were told that when their children asked “what
does this mean?” they could take the opportunity to teach them about Jehovah’s
deliverance. The same is true today. When our children attend, they will have
opportunities to learn, both at services and at home. This is also taught in
Deuteronomy 6:20-25 and other places.
Conclusion: These are some things children can get out of attendance, beginning at the earliest of ages. Sometimes children become fidgety or they have problems that become a distraction. Parents might wonder, what is the use of coming – when you get nothing out of the lesson and the child certainly doesn’t. In face, he seems to be a distraction to others. But just remember, they are learning. And if you are persistent and firm in time he or she will learn the importance of this sacred occasion. Keep bringing your children.
However, in all these things the degree of their learning will be greatly enhanced by the efforts we put forth in our homes. For example, faithfulness in attendance accompanied by hypocrisy in other areas can undo the good of faithful attendance or lead to your children serving God with mediocrity. The teaching of God’s word is greatly enhanced as we assemble when at home we study the Bible together and we as parents ensure that our children prepare their lessons, etc.
AS we approach the New Year, let us take a look at our responsibilities as parents and determine to do all we can to instill godly values in them including assembling with the saints at every opportunity we have.
Adapted from a lesson by Mark Roberts