Why Church? Part III
Romans 8:12-13, NKJV, Therefore, brethren, we are debtors - not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Your children can truly be happy about church! In fact, I have seen boys and girls kick and scream as their parents’ first start bringing them to class, and then it turns to a kicking and screaming as they DO NOT want to leave church! Bottom line, parents you will win, and it could be a quick work, if you will follow some of these suggestions.
THE QUICK TURN AROUND - I remember my 2nd born son Preston, when we were beginning to send him to the 1- year old class. He really didn’t want to go to class! When I would take him to class he put on the sad look, the big tears along with the sobbing and snubbing! It didn’t take long before I realized, Dad needed to drop him off! His reaction was less when Dad took him to class. Why is that? Kids are smart! They know how to work the system. So, what did we do? Dad would drop him off, and I would pick him up. It only took about 3 consecutive Sundays until he walked into his class with his backpack on and said, “Bye Mommy!” I was relieved, and sad at the same time. My baby suddenly didn’t need Mommy anymore! But I rejoiced because now I could go to service and know both my children were having a good time and learning the Word of God! Maybe your situation is different, but the same reaction. There are answers to getting them to love class!
TALK about church in your home in a positive light. When your children are young (infant-5 years old), the morning you are preparing to dress for church, you need to prepare your child with a positive attitude that they will be attending their class. “Suzy, we are going to church today! We are going to dress up in our favorite outfit, and go to church! What outfit do you want to wear today? You are going to see your friends in class, play with them and learn about Jesus!” Talk with enthusiasm, excitement and anticipation! They will pick up on your excitement! Say more, “I wonder who will be in your class today, who will be your teacher, what friends will you see today, Asher, Paul, Emma…?” Carry on a complete conversation of what their morning could look like. As you are driving in the car, you can have more conversation about what they may be learning and what activities they may have in their classrooms. This works with ALL ages. As they get older, you adjust the level of conversation to be age appropriate. If you will do this, I can guarantee you will have positive results! It really works!
BE CONSISTENT in your attendance to church and in placing your children in their class. If you go to church once a month and expect them to be happy going to class, it just doesn’t work that way. They have flesh that speaks to them, just like your flesh speaks to you! If you will train your own flesh first to go to church regularly, they will learn how to train their flesh. The Bible has a lot to say about dying to our flesh, Romans 8:13! We tell our bodies what to do. We don’t allow our body to dictate what it wants. We need to grow and be mature Christians! I fully expect and anticipate your children will LOVE church as you begin to implement these changes!
