August is the last full month of summer and a stark reminder that schools will be enrolling for another year. Laws mandate the education of children within our communities. Some choose to enroll in the public schools, while others decide that a private school or home schooling best benefits their child’s needs. Although different directions may be chosen to fulfill one’s legal obligation to educate their children, this statute is adhered to and obeyed.
Even though our communities will soon be lined with carpoolers and bus riders commuting to school Monday through Friday, those same children could lose out on the most valuable education they should receive – an introduction to and explanation of the Bible. George Barna in “Real Teens” translates some disturbing statistics about 21st century adolescents. For example, 53 percent believe that while Jesus was on earth he committed sins. Sixty-five percent state that “the devil is not a living being but is a symbol of evil.” Sixty-six percent endorse the notion that a person can lead a full and satisfying life even if they do not pursue spiritual development and maturity. Hence, it seems that the Christian values and faith that have led and supported past generations have not been sufficiently taught and translated to 21st century teens.
Now the question emerges, “How can these trends be reversed?” One suggestion would be for parents, grandparents, and guardians to begin to place a priority on church and other Christian activities. By being actively engaged in church-related activities, youth can be exposed to biblical teaching and truth. In “Understanding Today’s Youth Culture,” Walt Mueller states, “A growing knowledge of the Bible helps us evaluate and test everything that claims to be true.” Since a child is given to parents for only a short time (18 years or less), it would behoove parents and others to find ways to protect children from the evil that lurks within the world. A comprehensive knowledge of scripture will help dispel the darkness of evil and acknowledge the value of truth found in the forces that will confront the next generation of youth. David declared in the Psalms, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105 NIV).
I am certain that parents, grandparents and guardians would want their children to make wise and healthy choices. Hence, scripture speaks of how this can be accomplished. Through a valuable, focused exposure to scripture, the correct path to follow would be illuminated for many generations. Yet this can only come by the reintroduction and reinforcement to attend church. As students soon return to school, may more and more people also return to church with children and youth to be enlightened by the divine truth of God’s word.
Kelly is pastor of First Baptist Church, Varnville.