Training children in the faith

There was a time when sentimental images such as this would have adorned many a child’s bedroom throughout the Western world, reminding them that Christ is a true friend and saviour. Saccharine and wet such images may have been, but at least they made Christ present. No longer- for the rise of commercialism, coupled with the loss of national faith, has ensured that there are plenty more attractive fictional heroes to take Jesus’ place. How can he compete with Tinkerbell, Spiderman et al, when they are so celebrated by society and elevated by the media?! How can he hope to be present for children when he is no longer really present or treasured by their parents or society at large?

Now clearly the decoration of bedrooms is not really important- hence Jemima has her Tinkerbell theme! But what is vitally important is the fact that our children are not being nurtured in the faith as was once the case. Even families who do attend church do not, I suspect, say grace at home or pray sincerely as a family once would have. And even when faith is instilled at church and in the home it is liable to then be mocked and deconstructed in the school. For, despite it being law that Christian worship should be offered daily in assembly, devotion has in fact given way to citizenship training since the 1960′s. How confusing for our little ones and how unsuprising therefore that the faith of Christ is weakening in this land.

I am utterly convinced that the path to genuine Christian revival begins with our young, meaning that events such as the national youth pilgrimage- and the establishment of parish Sunday Schools and youth groups- is THE most important work being done by Christians today. How sad then that there is often such lack of enthusiasm for embracing the young in many churches I visit. How sad that we Christians so often view children as a silent church of tomorrow and not the genuine church of today. And even where children are loved and embraced- so often our liturgy does little to include and inspire them. This is something that has to change.

Perhaps blog readers might spend time considering how they might better assist the spread of the Gospel amongst the young? Parents might pledge themselves to pray each day with their children- ensuring that the ‘Our Father’, ‘Hail Mary’ and ‘Glory be’ are soon known by heart. Parents might also promise say grace before every meal- including when non-Christian friends are present! And most importantly parents might ensure that they model faith for their children- Sunday attendance being seen as non-negotiable. Just these little things can have an enormous impact on children who learn so very much from those who rear them. Never forget that little ones will very quickly discern if your faith is living or sham.

And parents and non-parents might remember that it is a feeble lie to pretend that the young alone should do all the youth work! Whatever your age you might consider assisting with Sunday Schools and Youth Groups-for you are never too old to take an interest! And finally ALL of us should be praying for the young, asking God to raise up a new generation of believers to heal the pain and confusion caused by those who went before them.