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Children are Worshippers Too!
| Last Updated : 2003-09-06 11:32:12 (3022 read)
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Children are Worshippers Too!We are in the process of studying the Scriptures and learning more about God's desire for believers, young and old, to worship together and learn from each other in worship. We believe God would use us to encourage the church to grow in our understanding and practice of cross-generational worship.Here is a taste of what we are learning:- God wants us to praise Him together-young and old, rich and poor, men and women. Psalm 148:11-13. Is the church pulling people together in worship or splitting them up? Is that important?
- Having children among us should move us to see God's Holiness--Isaiah 29:22. What a marvelous passage of scripture. I know that raising our sons has forced us to think through issues and how we react to situations in a godly manner. When children are around, it can be one way that we are held accountable for our actions and words.
- Adults (Fathers!) are commanded to teach their children about God--Isaiah 38:19, Joel 1:3, Eph 6:4, etc.
- God set up family involvement in worship from the beginning--Gen 18:19; Exodus 10:1-26; Deut 4:9; Deut 6:7--with blessings attached!--Deut 5:29; 6:2; 40:19; Matt 19:13, etc.
- God moves in unique and powerful ways when all ages are included in worship and praise--II Chron 10:13; Nehemiah 12:43; Zechariah 10:7; Joel 2:16; Mark 9:37; Acts 2:17, 38-39. Read what God has said about the importance of having all ages together.
- Adults have a crucial ministry in the lives of young people and children and it takes place when we are together--Exodus 12:26; Deut 4:9; 32:46; Joshua 4:6; Isaiah 59:19; Matthew 18:3; Luke 1:17; Ephesians 6:4; I Thess 2:11; Titus 2:6.
- Children and youth can have an important ministry, ordained by God!--Psalm 8:2!! Leviticus 10; Samuel, Josiah, Joash, Naaman's servant girl, II Kings 5; Daniel 1-4; Matt 19:13!!; Mark 10:13; Luke 18:15; Acts 2:17; I Tim 4:12!!!
One of our greatest ministries as adults (not just parents, but all believing adults!) is to bring up the next generation in the fear and knowledge of God.
The Bible tells us that Abraham was chosen, 'so that he will direct his children...' (Gen 18:19). Moses chose Joshua and other young men to influence and train (Exodus 24:4; Numbers 11:26). God used the priest Johoiada to guide the young, godly king Joash. How about Barnabus and Mark, Paul with Titus and Timothy? Timothy's mother and grandmother?
What wonderful examples of the importance of investing in our spiritual heritage. God's plan for us in relationship to one another is different from the world's point of view.
Consider the following:- Throughout the Scriptures, from Adam and Eve to the apostle John, we see the desire that God put in our hearts towards children and youth. God intends for us to treat each other with love, respect and humility as we worship Him together (Gen 20:17; Exodus 10:9; Jeremiah 31:15; Malachi 4:6; Luke 18:15; I Pet 5:5 and more).
- God says that children are a reward (Psalm 127:3). Have we bought into the world's attitude that youth and children are a burden? Maybe we need to re-examine our thoughts and words in this matter.
- Proverbs 17:3 tells us that parents are the pride of their children. What about the world 's point of view that youth are supposed to be rebellious and embarrassed by their parents?!? Do we reproduce this philosophy in our kids by our actions and words? Do we unwittingly program our youth to be rebellious? What does God have to say about this?How many times as a youth pastor have I heard adults remark in a joking or cynical manner, 'Well, you know how kids are!' I have found, many times, that kids will be what you tell them to be. And yet, God says many wonderful things about youth and children that we in the church have ignored or refused to acknowledge. Just because our culture says it is so, doesn't make it true. In fact, even if we see it with our eyes-if God says it can be different--we have the responsibility to obey God!
- God's Word informs us that youth and children have a unique ministry (Psalm 8:2; Acts 2:17, etc.). Are we allowing them to operate in it or delegating them as second class citizens in the Kingdom of God?!?
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The Word
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“Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
-- Proverbs 17:6
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