The Voice of Zion June 2020 --
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4).
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord (Ps. 127:3).
But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
These portions of God's Word signify how important a job we as parents have in upbringing our children, in sowing the seed of faith. What they learn as a child often remains with them throughout their lifetime.
Teach the ABCs of Faith
Mavis Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion June 2020 --
In our duty as parents, we are fortunate to have the assistance of God’s congregation. We have our small home congregations where our children begin to learn the simple ABCs of faith. Then we have Day Circle, Sunday school and camps. This work is among the most important work in God’s kingdom. As parents we find these resources a big help and a necessity to reinforce our weak teachings at home.
Living faith has remained the same through all the generations. “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us” (Ps. 78:2,3). We believe the same as our believing parents, grandparents and other elders, and can take comfort in teaching our children in the same way the previous generations have taught: Put away sin as it attaches. Strive to keep a clean conscience. Only unforgiven sin can separate people from God. Preach the gospel of the forgiveness of sins often.
Encourage the youth in their daily struggles. Open your home to haps and invite the young to visit. I hosted our area’s haps group shortly after my brother Gary passed away. We sang Safe in the Arms of Jesus in his memory. It was such a comfort to be reminded that if we remain believing we too can one day reach the shores of heaven.
For those who have lost this gift of faith, we want to show them that we still love them and their undying soul. After my husband Larry received the grace of repentance, he said he had always felt the love of the believers. This meant so much to him.
Faith Comes by Hearing
It is so important to take our children to services. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Growing up, I remember parents who did not take their children to hear the Word of God. Sad to say, they are no longer believing. My uncle Jake Ylioja sometimes said, “A church without the sound of children is a dead church.”
Children are the future of God’s kingdom. Often it would seem easier to leave the children at home or to only listen online. However, we all need the fellowship of the believers whenever possible.
For those living away from a congregation, Internet services are a big support – and they can be for all of us. One can sit and listen with the family to a live sermon or an archived sermon. Many timely discussions are also available. This is an additional tool one can use to reinforce the home teachings and give opportunity for the children to sit quietly to listen to God’s Word. Sunday school lessons are also available. Listening to God’s Word is important to all.
Even when my husband wasn’t believing, he often went to church with us where he could listen to God’s Word. When God opened his heart, he knew where to go to have his sins forgiven. It was one of the happiest moments in our family to know he was now a child of God and heaven acceptable. And we were reminded that we do not have to understand everything – all we are required to do is to believe our sins forgiven.
“Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6).
Resources and Helps
LLC publications are a big asset: books, audio recordings and periodicals. The Illustrated Home Bible is a storybook Bible that is simple, easy to read and understand and beautifully illustrated. This book is a benefit to any home library. There are many other resources as well for which to be thankful, many different aids to help us instruct our young in interesting ways.
An older book of the believers, From Victory to Victory, translated from SRK’s Voitosta voittoon (1971), includes the following instruction: “It is the will of God, you beloved young brothers and sisters, that you would receive strength through grace to walk as it is comely to a young Christian…and that you parents also would receive strength through grace to raise your children in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit” (p. 140). And from the same book, on page 8: “The Holy Ghost unites those who believe the living gospel; children, young people, middle-aged, old, rich, poor, learned and unlearned into one holy family and royal priesthood in Christ.”
Faith Comes by Hearing
David and Karen Young | The Voice of Zion June 2020
Advice from elders is timeless when they encourage us to bring our family to the hearing of God’s Word. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
At gatherings of God’s children, we feel joy! “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16,17). The gospel comforts and gives strength. Singing songs of Zion with fellow believers at services, camps and discussions also brings peace to restless hearts.
Peace and comfort enfold us while attending and as we leave congregational events and camps. God’s gatherings instruct and encourage weak and faulty parents. We often go home from such gatherings uplifted, thankful for a fresh start, making new promises as parents. We learn together with our fellow believers – escorts in faith who share the same spirit – and peace, comfort and joy abound!
God gives guidance in Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Gracious God, we pray to You: Shepherd all our children. We are foolish, slow of heart. Father, You must lead them. Carry our beloved young; keep their hearts from evil. May a guardian angel be with them as they travel (SHZ 429:1).
Thank You, God, for Being Beside Me
Lars Anderson | The Voice of Zion June 2020 --
All people experience trials and difficulties – no one is immune. We can look back to the first human couple and read about the struggles they had to experience because of their fall into sin. Adam and Eve went from living in paradise where everything was provided for them to having to work for their food, shelter and all that was needed to survive. God provides and blesses us with all that we have in this life; it’s His will that we work for our daily bread still today.
We don’t have to look very far, however, to become discontent. The Internet and social media have made us more connected than ever before. It’s easy to look through this medium to see how others portray their lives. Without even realizing it, we can become envious and discontent. We may try to secretly compete with each other or wish to live the same ideal life we see pictured. We can begin to criticize others or have ill feelings towards them.
If we fall too far into this trap, it can lead to depression or anxiety when we feel we can’t keep up or be able to have the same, seemingly beautiful life. It’s easy to fall into comparing – it’s a natural human tendency. We remember that Cain was very jealous of his brother Abel and even killed him because of this.
As we experience trials or difficulties or find ourselves struggling to feel joy in our life, is there something we can do to help?
Count Our Blessings
What does this mean? For me, this can be as simple as saying a short prayer of thanks to God when I recognize or realize my blessings. It can be thanks for a good night’s sleep when I wake in the morning, that God has given a new day or that the sun is shining. God hears all our prayers!
Recognize the Cause of Our Trial
Sometimes we can take steps to change our trial or difficulty. Of course, this may not always work depending on the trial. But as an example, if we have become discontent because of what we see on social media, we can work to change the amount of time we spend online. Or we can even delete or suspend our accounts. If the news of this world causes anxiety, we can turn off our radio and news feeds. If we suffer from depression or anxiety, we can also reach out for professional help.
Speak with a Trusted Friend
A friend might be able to see things from an outside perspective that can help in some way. They can listen, comfort or seek help on our behalf. A believing friend can comfort with the gospel of forgiveness.
Trust in the Gospel
The gospel heals a wounded conscience. It comforts and strengthens us to know our matters are in order and we are heaven-acceptable. Trials and difficulties are not a punishment from God because of our sinfulness, yet God allows trials in our life to try our faith. We should not blame God for our difficulties. Instead, let us remember to give thanks to Him that we are still a child in His kingdom and that He cares for us daily.
Discussion Points
What resources have you found that have helped in teaching your children?
Do you know prodigal sons or daughters whose childhood teachings have led them back to God’s kingdom? What has this spoken to you?
How have Internet resources been helpful in your teachings?
How can we be a good example to our children?
In parenting, what have been your greatest helps?