Reflection: Faith by intentionality
When children are baptised in a church community, the adults promise to support the child in their faith journey. What an awesome responsibility and privilege! Each of us has the responsibility to help such children know that they belong, and to help them learn about the Christian faith. Let’s not forget that this is a responsibility that we share with the child’s parents and godparents.
You may have overheard children instructing other children and been encouraged that they have learned things well. A parent overheard one of their children saying to another, “Remember what Mr x said about …”.
Parents and sportspeople know that training is not a hit and miss affair; it requires commitment, grit and regular practice. We train whether or not we feel like it and irrespective of any observable ‘success’. May we apply this same diligence to training up the children in our midst.
What role might you play with the children in your life, in guiding them in the way they should go?
Prayer: Father God, you know all too well the challenges of training up children. Give us wisdom, tenacity and grace to train the children in our lives, as you train us. Amen.