Kingdom Bites

As a parent of two growing children our house is very busy and rarely quiet. The rooms echo with the sounds of pattering feet, joyful playing, or sometimes exuberant fighting, and of course many, many questions. Often, they come in the form of a single word - “WHY?”

Regardless of what is said, this is usually the quickest response from my children, especially when the instruction set forth is undesirable to them. I did expect this. Yet, there is one question, asked many times, that I did not expect; “Dad, can you carry this?”

Now I know what you’re thinking, what’s wrong with that? At first glance this request seems innocent and would be if the item they were carrying was too heavy for them. But, usually it is not. This request is a result of an unwillingness to carry or hold whatever they currently have. Typically, because something more interesting has come into view, or they simply want all the pleasure of moving said item without any of the work. 

Sadly, many Christian’s spiritual life resembles this. They want all the benefits, the glory, the temporal and eternal blessings that come from a relationship with Christ without any of the heavy lifting. Don’t misunderstand, our salvation is solely based on God’s gift: Grace. Our redemption is found completely in Christ’s death and resurrection. There is absolutely nothing one can do that will ever please God, earn forgiveness, or make one a better Christian. However there is one thing Christ tells us that we must carry: our cross. In Mark 8:34 Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

In order to follow Christ, in order to truly be His disciple one must carry his own cross. But what does that mean? How do we do it? Often when one experiences trials or undergoes hardships in life they quote this verse and say with a badge on honor “I guess this is my cross to bear.” But is it? Is this what Christ was talking about? I don’t believe so.

The cross was a symbol of torture, suffering, and death. Carrying your cross was a symbol of shame. Instead the key is found in what Christ said first, we must deny ourselves. 

If we are to truly follow Christ, we must deny our sinful desires. We must put away our selfish pursuits; devoting and submitting our lives to Christ and His Word. Each day putting to death our old nature, drowning him in the blood of Christ. Then picking up our cross and following Him. Walking in obedience to His word, regardless of what others think or say. Bolding sharing the good news with others, even if they call us names in an attempt to shame us. Carrying our cross simply means being willing to bear whatever scorn, embarrassment, or loss comes our way because we wear the name of Christ. 

Albert Barns said it best decades ago when we wrote this. 

What are you carrying today? Selfish desires or Godly disgrace? 

Lord help us through the power of the Holy Spirt within to daily deny ourselves and carry our cross each day. 

It’s been a couple of weeks, but it is still hard for me to believe, my oldest child started school this year. I know every parent says it, but it seems like just yesterday I was in the delivery room hearing my daughter cry for the first time. Now, she is ready to embark on her educational pursuit that will dominate and direct a good part of the rest of her life.

My wife and I take this very seriously, and spent a long time carefully weighing the different education options available to us: Public School, Private School, and Homeschool. Each option has it own set of advantages and struggles. It became apparent to us that whatever route we chose, as parents it is our responsibility to be deeply involved in the education of our children. After all, they are ours, not someone else's.

This responsibility does not lie solely in “secular” subjects but includes the “spiritual” also. God never gave the church the primary responsibility to rear or instruct our children. Instead He gave it to us, as parents.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

God’s design for family is rather simple. As parents we are given the responsibility to teach (or disciple) our children in God’s Word. In Deuteronomy 6:1-5, God instructs parents (and grandparents) to hear, to heed, and to teach God’s Word in our homes, giving our children an example to follow. However, the goal is more than teaching, more than passing on facts about God and the Bible, and more than blind obedience or head knowledge. Our goal is to pass on our faith and love for Christ.

God tells us to impress His Word on our children.  Which means to “Teach them diligently.” The idea is similar to the sharpening of blade on a stone; indicating a close and sometimes hard task. This is done through accurately teaching the Bible, sharpening our kids’ faith on the honing stone of God’s Word.

Deuteronomy says that this should be an integrated part of life. We are told to talk, or have conversations about God and His Word throughout our life. Day by day, moment by moment talking and teaching our children what the Bible says and how it applies to life. We are to look for the teachable moments and seize every opportunity where spiritual lessons can be taught.

It is also important to keep reminders of God and His Word visible. We may no longer tie Frontlets or Phylacteries around our head, or carve Scripture verses on our door; but our Faith and the Bible should be visible in our home and lives; visible to our family, and to all guests who may enter.

Yes, the church has an important role in coming alongside families, helping and equipping them to instill God’s Word in their families. But the work starts, and ends at Home. As you bring your children (or grandchildren) back to Sunday School this year, don’t let that be the only instruction they get…. For everyone should be “home-schooled” in God's Word!