WE CAN KEEP THEM IN THE CHURCH
‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it» (Proverbs 22:6).
EDUCATION
Several years ago, the book We Can Keep Them in the Church was published. J had the privilege of being in charge of the Spanish edition of this excellent Material Believe me that few books have made me reflect on the purpose of the church. Today, the number of young people leaving the church is alarming. The causes are different. However, there are many who remain in the church. Why do young people stay in the church? What does the church do well to keep the children that grow up in its bosom?
While preaching to a group of church employees, I asked how many Adventist since their youth were. Several hands went up. So I asked them to tell us why they had stayed in the church. The answers were quite interesting, but most confirmed the thesis of the book I had just edited: participation in the activities of the church, a solid Christian social circle, the establishment of goals that include spiritual elements in life.
Are you a Christian from the time of your childhood? Why are you still in the church? What has motivated you to persevere in the faith? I think it is very important to answer these questions for the establishment of a solid Adventist worldview. The truth is that there are also things that the church does very well.
However, I believe that the declaration of Proverbs 22:6 contains the key to the matter: «Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.» This verse ensures that a child or a young person can have a genuine spiritual experience. I mean, you don’t need to be an adult to grow up in faith. Age is not an obstacle to clearly hearing the voice of God or to be used by the heavenly Father. Therefore, the apostle Paul says to Timothy: «Let no one despise your youth» (1 Timothy 4:12). Also, the role of parents is to foster this spiritual experience in their children.
A genuine experience in the faith is also not unique to an ecclesiastical hierarchy. Rather, it is within the reach of all believers. So, if your parents have made things easier for you to be a believer, then take advantage of it! And if you have had to experience the gospel without the support of your family, God will not forsake you!
Whatever your condition, today ask God to experience the power of His Word so that you will never abandon His path.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo