For perplexing reasons, some parents have the idea that their children will learn vital lessons in life simply by osmosis. It is true, to some extent, that children (and all people) learn things by the environment around them and events that occur in their presence. These can be valuable, life-altering lessons, but is this the method by which we want (or expect) that our children will learn the vital lessons of life? It is critical that we take the reins and the responsibility for teaching our children those truths and principles by which God expects them to live!
Our children will not learn agape love by osmosis—we must teach them. They must be taught to unconditionally, unselfishly put the needs of others above their own desires or needs (Luke 6:27-36).
Our children will not learn to show respect by osmosis—we must teach them. They must be taught to esteem others (Phil. 2:3), be kind to others (Eph. 4:32), serve others (Gal. 5:13; 6:10), and honor others (Rom. 12:10; 13:7).
Our children will not learn God’s love for them by osmosis—we must teach them. They must be taught that God created them (Gen. 1:26-27), loves them immensely (Rom. 8:34-39), sent His Son to bear their sins and pay the ultimate price (Rom. 5:8; 2 Cor. 5:21), and wants them in heaven!
Our children will not learn God’s plan of salvation by osmosis—we must teach them. They must be taught that God’s grace is extended to those who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9), through faith (John 20:30-31), repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confession of faith (Rom. 10:9-10), immersion in water (Acts 2:38) and faithful living according to God’s will (1 John 1:7).
Our children will not learn acceptable avenues of worship by osmosis—we must teach them. They must be taught that God is the object of our worship (John 4:23), that one’s heart must be engaged in all of worship (John 4:24), and that God’s truth must be the standard for all worship practices, including weekly communion (1 Cor. 11:17-20), congregational singing (Eph. 5:19), praying (Acts 2:42), giving (1 Cor. 16:1-2) and preaching (2 Tim. 4:1-4).
Our children will not learn appropriate behavior in worship by osmosis—we must teach them. They must be taught to sit still, to be quiet, to be respectful, to pay attention, to follow along, to take notes, etc., etc.
Our children will not learn holy living by osmosis—we must teach them. They must be taught that their choices (Col. 3:17), their words (Matt. 12:36-37), their actions (Jas. 1:22-25), their sexuality (1 Thess. 4:3-7), etc. must be set apart to God.
Our children will not make it to heaven by osmosis! It is our responsibility to personally teach and train them!