Many people want to peer into the future. That is why they read their horoscope, take stock in fortune cookies, and consult a palm reader. But what if parents could hear in the future?
Having been a pastor for more than three decades and along with that a counselor, life coach, mentor, and friend, I have talked to a lot of people. I do not share details about what people say in a counseling session. However, I can share a common theme adults have to say about their childhood years.
Being a pastor, I am always keen on what they have to say about their involvement with church. Without question this is a common theme they want to talk about. If their parents took them to church and it was a positive experience, the kid inside (now an adult) cannot say enough words of gratitude about their parents giving them the spiritual, social, and motivational foundation they needed. If it was a neighbor who invited them to go to church, they are quick to express gratitude for that neighbor.
If they did not go to church as a family, I can always sense the heartache and regret over what they feel like they missed. Words like, I regret we didn’t go to church when I was younger,” or if we had only gone to church as a family, I think my life would have turned out differently” are quite common. I am reminded of something Jesus said in Luke 18:16. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”
The brain and the mind of a child is an incredible phenomenon. It is amazing what they can remember good and bad. Current studies have determined the brain and the mind continue to develop until about the age of twenty-five. We call those the formidable years. As much as children can remember what they gained in those years, they often consider and reflect on what they missed out on.
If parents could hear into the future and hear what their child (then an adult) will be saying one day, not only would they send their child(ren) to church, but they would also attend together as a family regardless of the family dynamic. If parents could hear into the future, they would make sure they and their children received a steady diet of truth that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
Kids have a lot of fun at church. Along with what they hear from their teachers as the teacher teaches the Bible, they play games, they eat snacks, and like Jesus, they grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Let’s all go to church this Sunday.
