by Chris Steele

May 20, 2007

Several weeks ago one of our teachers, Amy Smith, made a suggestion to her class. She encouraged her students to write down a question that concerned them and send it to a Christian evidence magazine for kids, called Discovery. Chelsea Chappell got her question published in this month’s issue! How pleased we are when our children are learning the Bible. How encouraged we are to see our teachers impressing upon our young people the need to dig deeper into the knowledge of God to find the way of salvation.

When we put the terms “youth” and “church/religion” together, it should mean more than fun times at pizza parties, trips to theme parks, canoeing, or bowling. Although wholesome entertainment is a good thing in life, it is not what our young people need as we think of their eternal souls.

Young people need godly homes with parents who set a good example before them. Both the old and new testaments commanded this (Deuteronomy 6:7; Ephesians 6:4). Children need to be taught the truth, beginning in the home. They have a right to see God’s truths in the lives of their own parents. The home environment is vital in producing God-fearing children who want to learn the Bible.

Young people need to have personal faith in God and His word. There is no exception to Romans 10:17. Young people will stand before Jesus Christ in judgment just as their parents will (Ecclesiastes 11:9). They will need to hear and know the will of God in order to prepare for that day. Bible study in the home and in the congregation will give families what they need to travel heaven’s road together.

Young people need a sense of responsibility and respect for authority. If these things do not begin in the home and with God, then how will they ever get along in school or in the community?

Young people need love. Love should never be weak, permissive, and tolerant of wrong. Bible love provides what is needed in any given situation. Children need godly love and discipline.