Keeping the faith through the adolescent years

  • Shelly Webb
  • November 4, 2011
  • 308
                        
Summary—When children are young they may attend church and abide by mom and dad’s rules, but what happens when they get older? Many times kids decide they want to do their own thing, what should parents do then? Story—There is a great, little verse in the book of Joshua. You may have seen it printed on wall plaques or written on frames. It simple states, “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”. It is found at the end of Joshua 24:15 and comes about when Joshua is demanding the children of Israel ‘choose’ whom they will serve, whether the gods which their fathers served before the flood or the gods of the Amorites or the one true God. When Joshua stated that “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”, there is no doubt he meant it and no doubt that is exactly what the members of his household did. But today things are different. Although many parents desire for their entire household to serve God, it can become difficult as children become old enough to make their own decisions, but young enough to still live at home. Can you force an individual to ‘serve God’? Does God even want forced service or forced attendance in His house on Sunday mornings? How much should you tolerate? It seems this subject is much easier to write on a plaque than to truly brand in a heart. Family Life Pastor Craig Piatt of Millersburg Christian Church says that when it comes to teenagers and adolescents most will test the boundaries at some point to see how far they can go. “Teens always seem to test the boundaries,” Piatt said. “They just want to know where that line is, how far they can go. I know it is difficult sometimes, but parents need to try and stay firm in their beliefs and rules.” Piatt believes that sometimes parents fall into the trap of trying to be their kid’s best friend, but that’s not what kids really need from their parents. “You don’t have to be your child’s best friend,” he said. “Kid’s will appreciate your parenting and discipline as they get older especially when they have their own children. They will respect you for standing strong in your belief and dedication to Christ.” Some parents force their kids to go to church and some do not. Piatt understands how challenging it can be to make someone come to church that doesn’t want to be there. Still he thinks parents need to stay true to their beliefs. “It is hard, and sometimes kids will come with a big chip on their shoulder because they’re being forced to be there,” he said. “But they can still be ministered to and it’s important for parents to be consistent in their beliefs and rules.” Piatt also believes if parents instill serving Christ into the hearts of young children, they will grow up expecting and knowing that God is a part of their family’s life. “Parents need to set the guidelines form the beginning,” Piatt added. “I know it’s easy to cave in, but it’s better to stand your ground. Even when kids are older and are home on break from college or visiting, you should still try and adhere to your rules to serve Christ.” The book of Proverbs says in chapter 22, verse 6 to, “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This verse is sometime interpreted to mean that if a child is brought up in church or raised to know Christ, he or she will never go astray, but that is not the meaning of the promise, in Piatt’s opinion. “That verse does not mean that a child will not stray and try to do their own thing at some point in their life,” he said. “I believe the verse is saying, if you train up a child in the Word of God and you teach them by example and show them the love of Christ and all His ways, then they may stray, but they will always know the truth and what is right and wrong in God’s eyes. They will not be able to ignore that teaching that is inside of them and they will find their way back eventually.” Piatt also reminds us that prayer is a major weapon of power that can be used to intercede for children and all loved ones regardless of their age or attitude. “Prayer is a powerful weapon,” he said. Sometimes it is the only avenue you have, you may have talked till you are blue in the face and nothing seems to be working. Prayer and entrusting your child or loved one to God and asking Him to protect and bring them back is a very powerful weapon. I have seen many evidences where prayer has brought individuals back to where God would want them. It may take weeks, months or even years, but I have seen the power of prayer work in this way.” It is also important for parents to pray for their children when they are very small. Piatt believes bathing your children in prayer and scripture will make a difference in their lives. Rough times may come and things may not always be the way you want them to be, but remaining faithful and trusting Christ is the answer. “Jesus Christ never said, walking in faith would be easy,” Piatt said. “Faith is not for the faint of heart and it takes a lot of faith to have faith. But I believe that God is all powerful and will be with you always.”


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