Sunday, August 15, 2010

Teach Our Children

"We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done." -- Psalm 78:4

Okay. I'm officially freaked out now. I don't like reading that teens aren't involved in church, aren't reading the Bible and aren't praying to God. I guess I don't see it. I look around and I see teens hanging out, laughing, enjoying being at church and doing fun youth activities. It was so much easier when I could pretend all teens were present and involved.

The study, as quoted in USA Today, said only 39 percent of all teens participate in a youth group. Forty-nine percent attend church but only 30 percent attend Sunday school. While 71 percent sounds high when it comes to praying to God, I wonder about the other 29 percent. Who do they turn to? Or, maybe I should ask, what? And, get this, a whopping 33 percent read the Bible. That's downright scary.

One person blamed the parents. I can agree with that. If the parents aren't in church, the teens won't be either. That's just how it goes. It makes me wonder about priorities and values. One woman explained to me her decision not to attend church this way: it's the only day of the week she could sleep late. So her kids, still in elementary school, didn't get to attend church because their mother thinks it's more important that she sleep late. Got it.

But I think what bothers me the most is that this study found teens aren't reading the Bible. I know. Teens don't like to read. I've heard it before. I love to read so it's difficult for me but I do understand. It's just that if they aren't reading the Bible, how are they going to learn about God? How will they ever truly know Jesus? How will they come to understand that the Bible is God's Word to them and to us? There is such a huge difference between hearing someone talk about God and reading His Word for yourself.

Despite the opinions of some folks, the Bible is so relevant today. The Bible lives and breathes. Anyone who reads it knows that. It offers exactly what each person needs, when they need it. I don't understand how. I just know it's true. Just like I know that the stories and values and guidance are so valuable in today's world. Why? People are the same. We just are.

The Bible is also incredibly interesting. It's full of history, romance, adultery, murder, redemption and on and on. Try reading one of the newer versions. I like the NIV (New International Version). Other people like the paraphrase Bible called The Message. Some prefer the King James version. There are so many Bibles. I know there's one out there for everyone. And, guess what? They all say the same thing.

Every teenager -- indeed, every person -- deserves to know God. They deserve to know Jesus and accept His gift of salvation. They deserve to feel the Holy Spirit working in their heart. The Bible tells us to teach our children so the next generation will know all that God has done for us. It doesn't look like we are doing our part.