I’ve been thinking more about Mark 9:42 that I referenced in yesterday’s post. Although I don’t see this verse as speaking to those who carelessly lead children to faith, I have a healthy fear of careless evangelism. Are there children that I’ve led to faith by having them repeat me in saying a prayer who are not right with God but they think everything’s okay because they said a prayer? Or they think everything is okay becasue they got baptized. Did I enable this false way of thinking? I know, I know. I can’t control everything. It’s still the choice of the child to live out their faith. But was I clear? Did I clearly communicate that following Christ is more than saying a prayer, but daily living for him. I have a healthy respect for this. As I talk to children about coming to faith, I try to make sure they understand this.
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- Blog Patrol (June 30, 2009) « Dad In The Middle - [...] Faith development of a child: Episode 2 [...]
I think if this a lot here in the Bible Belt. I think most people around here are vaccinated against Christ as kids. They got just enough of Him in their system to build up an immunity from ever really catching Him.
When we present the snapshot version of total life transformmation from the inside out and just show the pray and dunk piece I think we end up with the vast numbers of moral church goers who aren’t really living a life that reflects being madly in love with Jesus.
From a teaching standpoint, although we do present the ABC gospel every week, I just want to draw kids to fall in love with Jesus instead of just making a decision that is only a mental assent to their belief that He exists.
My cousin who is a missionary in Asia told me about a missionary friend who refused to lead anyone in his tribe in a “salvation prayer.” He could tell that they were looking for an act, a magic spell, or a ritual that would seal their eternal fate. He wanted to make sure that they didn’t confuse a recitation with faith itself. That really challenged how I think about it.
I don’t remember repeating a prayer and I barely recall my baptism but I honestly don’t remember far back enough that I didn’t love Jesus and know Him. I don’t know the theology behind that but I have always had that “blessed assurance” that I am His. I just know I want that for my kids too.
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