Kindergarten and Salvation
"Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all" - Jesus, Mark 10: 14-15 (NAS).
My son just graduated from Kindergarten. The school had a great program. Families packed the gymnasium to watch the children perform songs and get awards. My son is old enough to graduate from Kindergarten, but is he old enough to surrender his life to Jesus? A few observations:
1. Parental influence is the greatest influence. Although my son has had a wonderful teacher, nothing replaces parental discipleship (good or bad). In a recent research project, the research revealed that nothing replaces parental discipleship. You cannot hire out nor hand off parental influence. In your absence or presence, you are the most influential person in your child's life. For example, when a mom serves the church, the child is 67% more likely to attend church as a young adult. If a mom simply attends church and does not serve, the significance is the same as to not showing up to church at all. Another alarming statistic found in this research is that divorce is the most detrimental action in a child's life as it pertained to attending church as a young adult.
2. Every child is different. Maturation rate is different (due to many causes) with every child. My son has recently started conversations that revolve around his realization that he needs a Savior. Some of the conversations are not a surprise due to the people and communities for which we hang out. Other conversations are revealing because he sincerely shares his heart.
3. Cultural milestones are not the same as spiritual. The legal driving age is 16. The legal adult age is 18. In Biblical times, children were given more adult responsibilities at earlier ages. As my son graduated Kindergarten, I must realize that it is not a spiritual measurement. He has achieved an educational milepost like other children his age. Culural mileposts should not be equated to spiritual development. Although he has graduated Kindergarten, he is not necessarily mature enough to understand repentance and his need for a Savior.
4. Parents must continue to study children. Like the second point, children are different and that goes for siblings. My son and daughter will make different decisions and will have their own path. My job as a parent is to study them and help them during their journey. I cannot prescribe a specific mold that will fit both. Obviously, there are generalities that will fit both (eat meals, bathe, brush teeth, read your Bible, etc.).
david evans is the Evangelism Team Leader for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Feel free to contact david via e-mail devans@tnbaptist.org. In the meantime, check out “The Reaching App” by searching in your app store or visiting www.TheReachingApp.com.