Kids learn through verbal instruction—that’s why we send them to school for 13+ years. But just as much, kids learn from observation. In fact, if the instruction and the observation do not coincide with each other, they will follow what they observe over what they hear.
Parents, you may not realize just how much your kids are watching what you do (and don’t do) and making judgments based upon that. This is especially true when it comes to the church. Your kids are deciding how important the church will be IN THE REST OF THEIR LIVES right now, by observing how important it is (or isn’t) to you. When your kids know that there are church services on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights, but you don’t go…and when your kids hear about church events being announced, but you don’t go…you are telling them through your actions that the church is not important. You might as well write them a letter,
“Dear children, the church is no big deal!”
Your children belong to the Lord (Psa. 127:3). “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).
