Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Daniel Thomas
Orlando MTC
41. The first thing Andrew did
was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the
Messiah" (that is the Christ). 42. And he brought him to Jesus.
During the national
festival in Greece, the youth organize a rally. The youth standing in the
front row utter in loud voice that "we are the future."
Following this, those who stand behind them utter "we are the power
of the present." Undoubtedly the present and future strength of any
nation, any church should rest in the hands of the youth population though the
grown-ups may have some reservation to admit it.
Does this happen today?
The direct consequences of the erosion of value system around the globe
is reflected in human relationship at home, school, college and universities,
and wherever people congregate, including elected officials as well as
Judiciary. If this trend continues, where will we end up? At least
the educational institutions along with their responsibility of imparting
knowledge to the student community should also take up an active role in
bringing an awareness of the fundamental value system to them. Also,
parents should diligently perform their parental responsibility to train their
children at appropriate age level with the basic values at home even before
they are sent to school.
In the Bible, we find
accounts of many people who followed God courageously when they were young.
In a situation of corrupt spiritual leadership, Samuel ministered before
the Lord, even as a child (1 Sam. 2:18). David faced the giant Goliath in
spite of being told, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine
and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his
youth" (17:33). Paul told the young pastor Timothy, "Don't let
anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the
believers in speech, in life, in love. in faith and purity" (1 Tim. 4:12).
Jesus Himself was born in
an ordinary family setup as the vast majority of children. The growth of
baby Jesus is the best guidance for all of us. In order for the child to
grow as a responsible youth, the child has to go through certain stages:
growth of the body, growth of wisdom, grow in God's grace, and grow
in favor with God and men.
What really the parents are looking from their
children is that they grow and live as good people, and that others
looking their lives should appreciate them for raising up good mannered
children. There should be a joint effort by the parents, teachers,
ministers, and the surroundings they grow in order for this to happen. In
Jesus' case, "The child's father and mother marveled at what was said
about Him" (Luke 2:33).
PRAYER
Gracious Lord, we pray that the guidance of the Holy
Spirit be upon our youth in order for them to grow in faith and purity.
Also, help us as parents to bring them up with moral and spiritual
values so that they can glorify Your Kingdom. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Lord, make my life a window for Your
light to shine through and a mirror to reflect Your love to all I meet. Robert
Schuller