Catching the Message about Sunday

the Message

I learned about preparing for Sunday from my nephew.  Our kids get the message about Sunday without us saying a word. I wanted to be sure our kids got the right message.

We were heading back home after sightseeing in another state for a weekend. My niece was ready to settle down and go to sleep, but her brother pulled out his paper to jot down the last of the money he spent. All the way there and back, Kevin kept a running tab of the money he spent. He also kept a tab on his sister and the money she was given by her parents.

Finally, I asked him, “Did your mom and dad talk to you about how you spend your money?”

“Boy, did they ever!” he replied.

“What did they say?” I asked curiously as we drove along the interstate.

“Well, I’ll tell you,” he replied, “I can’t remember exactly what they said. But I’ll tell you what. I got the message!”

The message about Sunday

When we’re raising kids, they will get the message about what we think about church. We don’t need to say a word. They’ll hear us loud and clear.

What are our reasons for church attendance? Is it so we can learn more about the Bible and more about God, our Father? Do we want to become more complete and perfect? Is it to connect with other believers who can encourage us and sharpen us in our walk with God? Is it to receive fuel for our week and a guide for how to live? Or is it just a social event we attend, when there’s nothing else to do, when we’re not too tired, or not out of town?

The message our kids get about church does not come from the pastor or the Sunday school teacher. The message they get comes from their parents. How we dress, whether we’re habitually on time or tardy, whether we’re excited or frazzled sends a message they hear loud and clear.  What they hear us say and observe us do when the offering plate is passed resonates. They get the message about tithing and giving from watching us.

Without a word

Choose the Message You Want to Give – because they are going to get it. Years from now, our kids won’t remember the things we said so much as the message they got from our lives. Our attitude toward church – including priority, attendance, vacations, leadership, and their teachers is absorbed by our kids. It’s a sobering thought.

We think that if we don’t say anything negative, our kids won’t be negative about church or church attendance. However, so much more is involved. Think about the message you want your kids to get – then take steps in the areas listed above. They will remember what you did and didn’t do.

They will remember whether or not you skipped church because you didn’t want to visit a new church on vacation. Be sure they will remember whether being tired was an excuse for not showing up.

They’ll remember if church was a priority and if you were excited about being there. Your kids will remember if it was important to be prepared or if church was just a happenstance.

They’ll remember whether you were excited about the morning’s message or whether you had “simmering preacher” on the back burner even though you didn’t say a word. Your kids will remember if you thought tithing or giving was important enough that you gave every time the offering plate was passed, or if you just gave when it suited your fancy. They’ll even remember the size of the bills you put in the offering or the figures they saw you write on the check.

The bottom line

Years from now, your kids might not remember what you said about church and its relevance in your life, but I can guarantee you – they’ll get the message. Let’s help them get the right one.

Photo credit: Shawn Bailey, my friend, who graciously allowed me to use this photo.