Eight-year-old Rico sat in a chair with tears running down his cheeks. He had just shared his prayer request at the Vacation Bible School where I am teaching. "My Dad goes to the gas station every day and buys drugs from a man. He promised me he would stop. He even pinky sweared."
Reason #1: Today, more than ever, children need to hear a message of hope.
With the huge family burdens that many children carry, it is not surprising that they act out and have trouble in school. After more than 30 years in the classroom, I have seen the steady decline. They are losing hope, and they feel like they must fend for themselves.
Rico's story is not unusual. But he is more fortunate than many. He is spending his summer learning about God's love, and the power of prayer.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Rico has heard the story of Paul, who used to be a bad guy when he was Saul. We studied the story of Zacchaeus who was once a greedy man. He has also learned about the thief on the cross who asked Jesus to forgive him. This summer the children have heard true stories of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Rico is learning to place his hope in the divine.
Reason #2: Children need a sense of identity.
Charity's dad is struggling with drugs, and her mom has disappeared. Currently, Charity lives with her grandmother, but she has been back and forth numerous times. Without a stable home life, Charity struggles with her identity.
She is intelligent, engaging, and has a wonderful sense of humor. She is one of those kids I can engage in light-hearted banter that goes over the heads of others. This summer I have had the privilege of teaching Charity that she is a child of God. While her family dynamics change, her identity in Christ is unshakable.
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,"
How many Charity's find their identity in social media, gangs, and TV? Without sound, biblical teaching, the kids are going to look elsewhere.
Reason #3: The Bible teaches coping skills.
One day in class we were discussing how the Bible teaches us to be slow to anger. Jacquin, who had been removed from a game earlier for poor sportsmanship, smiled sheepishly, "Yeah, I got to learn to do that." We were able to discuss his behavior calmly, and I complimented him for his insight.
As Christians, we know that the Bible has a lesson or a story for just about every problem imaginable. But, are we intentionally and purposefully exposing our children to these applications?
It is easier than you might think. There are numerous resources just a few clicks away. Here is one with free materials: Truth for Kids. Join a bible teaching church, and invest in discussion time with your children.
Here is a resource for Christian teens: Christianbook.com.
We plan our meals, our budget, our vacations. We need to plan biblical life lessons for our children as well.
What has worked for you? Share it with us.
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