An observation and concern of mine lately, is the lackadaisical attitude that our current generation has developed toward church attendance and membership. But an equally troubling trend that I see developing is the abandonment, or even the rejection of Sunday school.

    From my earliest memories I was carried to Sunday school and church. Though through a period of adolescence I'm sure I put up quite a resistance, nevertheless Mom and Dad were faithful in their responsibilty to God's instruction towards parenting. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it"  (Proverbs 22:6). I think about the foundational Bible Truths which I learned as a child in Sunday school, and the mental pictures I carry to this day as a result of early Biblical instruction.

    Some may say, "Well, we can give our kids those Foundational Truths at home", and that is true, but I know all too well how busy and demanding mom and dad's schedules are these days. Today in our pressure-cooker society we have so much trouble keeping up with the demands of our family's physical welfare that our family's spiritual welfare all too often suffers neglect.

    Every week across this great country countless men and women are spending hours in the preparation of lessons with the anticipation of having a class full of eager recipients, only to be disappointed by half-full, or nearly empty chairs. I know because I have as well spent countless hours over the years in the study and preparation of sermons or lessons, often to look out at nearly empty rooms.

    This trend has prompted many churches today to forsake the time-tested program of instruction. It's easier for some to just accomodate the people's wishes, than to help them to see the churches role in the parenting of their kids.

    Today as never before, the family is under attack. If history shows us anything, it is that, the battleground that we concede will most likely never be regained. There is a tremendous battle for our children's minds, a subtle warfare that's being waged on every front against the family. We must be faithful in the Biblical instruction of the family, because the damage is irreversible.

    I once heard a story about a young mother who had an unusual request of a concrete finisher who was finishing a new sidewalk at her home. She asked if she could press her baby's feet onto the concrete. When the man said yes, she stood the child on the wet concrete and pointed his toes in the direction of a nearby church. The mother apparently wanted to make a permanent impression that would influence the future direction of her little boy's life.

    This unusual expression of concern and commitment should reflect the desire of all Christian parents for the spiritual welfare of their children. We must position our young ones on the right way and recognize the importance and the role of the church in their lives. Our children's spiritual training must begin at an early age. We have the responsibilty to encourage them to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior as soon as they are old enough to understand the meaning of salvation. If we do that, we will cultivate in them a respect for the church and instill in their hearts a love for God and His Word.

    Let me challenge you!!! If your church has abandoned the Biblical instruction of your children, talk to your pastor, and share your concerns. If after ample time, a plan to redevelop a child's instruction time has not been implemented, than consider moving your membership to a church that shares your vision for developing the family.

    By our teaching, our example, and our resolve, let's set our children's feet in the right direction. Faithfulness to our family's spiritual wellness is our responsibilty as parents.

Pastor Greg Ells