First, children are a gift and a “heritage” from God (Psalm 127:3). A heritage is defined as valued objects or qualities that have been passed down from previous generations. In God’s mind children are a means of passing on the knowledge of God from one generation to another.
Second, children present a unique opportunity. In Matthew 18:3 Jesus says “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Clearly children have differences from adults that adults should learn to emulate. In this example a child is exalted by Jesus for their un-inhibited dependence that idealizes faith for all believers. The point, however, is that a child is in a state as a child that makes them uniquely malleable and easily influenced to accept the things of God.
Third, children are also unlike adults in ways adults should not emulate. In 1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul makes a distinction between childhood and adulthood and suggests that there is a point when all adults should put away childish ways. This point highlights the previous point, namely, that there are differences between children and adults. It also highlights the need children have to develop, grow, and be trained. If the goal is adulthood in thinking and reasoning then it implies a process.
Fourth, children bear the image of God and they also have a sin nature. In addition to childishness, children also have a sin nature that they have inherited because of mankind’s fall into sin. Neutrality is never the position of Scripture (“I will let my children come to their own convictions on religion/God” or “I don’t want to force my religion on my kids”). While we don’t advocate forcing our religion upon our children we also acknowledge that Scripture makes it clear that there is a right and wrong way one can live their lives. Parents are commanded to train a child in the way he should go, implying there is a way he shouldn’t (Proverbs 22:6; 23:15). Even Jesus learned obedience through His Father’s training (Hebrews 5:8, 12:3-11) and he grew in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and with men (Luke 2:52).
Fifth, not teaching is teaching. This point also builds upon the previous one just made. God’s glory permeates all of life and to stay silent about his greatness, worth, and how every part of our existence is subject to Christ (Colossians 1:15-17) is to communicate something that is wholly untrue, namely, that God isn’t glorious and that every aspect of life must be understood as it relates to God. Thus, to simply stay neutral to an impressionable child who is learning constantly and coming to conclusions and formulating convictions is not only disobedience, it is a missed opportunity and a form of teaching something false about God. It is right, therefore, to teach children who are able to understand theological concepts who God is, what he is like and how they should act towards him.
Sixth, parents are primary in the discipleship and instruction of their children. In Psalm 78:1-8 we are told that God has “established a testimony in Jacob” (v. 5) and he has “commanded fathers to teach them to their children.” In Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Moses tells fathers that the law of God must be on their hearts and that they should speak of it to their children as they do life together. Clearly, the formula of multigenerational faith centers on parents passing on the knowledge of God to their children.
Seventh, the goal of discipleship is that children set their hope in God. To say it another way, a disciple of Christ is one who sets their hope in the salvation of Christ. We see this in Psalm 78:7 “so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” There is more to say about this than can be said but the goal of discipleship isn’t conformity but a heart transformation that is so profound that one forsakes all earthly hope and all vestiges of self-righteousness. A disciple says with the apostle Paul: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). Thus, a disciple does not turn inwardly but to Christ for healing, identity, forgiveness and salvation.
That our children will set their hope in God,
Pastor Kevin
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