Another year has come upon us. Many of us celebrated by setting off fireworks or watching the Times Square countdown. Many more of us are determined to make some resolutions.
This is a great time for us to look back on the previous year and see where we succeeded, where we failed, where we grew, and where we fell short. Certainly, there are things we can do differently this year to better ourselves and our families. I would like to focus on just one thing we might consider for 2025. If you are a parent, then this is for you. Let’s make a resolution to get our children more involved with the church.
Over the last year, I’ve noticed so many families already making changes to prioritize youth activities, and it has made a massive difference! I see closer bonds between the youth, I’ve been asked deeper Bible questions than before, and I’ve noticed a greater amount of enthusiasm for service projects. Every one of them is growing in their love for Christ and their love for each other.
But, let’s not be satisfied with where we are now. Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:17-18, “…beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The life of a Christian cannot be allowed to plateau. We must be growing. Is there room to grow when it comes to your child’s involvement in the church?
Just think of what your child is missing out on when they miss a devo, a hangout, a Bible class, a worship service or a visitation. Each one of these can have an immeasurable impact on the spiritual strength of our youth. By assembling together in study, in singing, in conversation, and laughter with the church, they are able to encourage each other to be the Christians that God wants them to be. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Please don’t misunderstand this. Not everyone can be at every youth event, but we must see the value in making every church activity that we can attend a priority. In a world that is fighting for as much of our children’s attention as it can get, we need to fight even harder to provide a safe haven from its influence. There is no better place for our youth to be than with their brothers and sisters in Christ.
So, make a resolution for your children to be more involved in the church. Get a copy of this year’s event calendar and see how much more growth 2025 can bring.