Our Little Piece

Ephesians 6:1-4

¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – ³ “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ⁴ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Today is the last day of our VBS (Vacation Bible School) for 2017. I posted this on Facebook this morning early. Up early to thank God for the awesome folks at First United Methodist Church of Laurel. Today is the last day of VBS. This ministry is such an expression of love for Jesus, the community, and for the memory of Linda Ryan. I’m honored to serve those who serve for Jesus. They are all heroes to me!

As we finish another year of VBS – I’m taking a look at today’s passage – especially the final part of today’s passage that say – Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. VBS is part of the final part of that 4^th verse – bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. I have marveled at the number of persons who have given of themselves all week to help train our children and the children of the community in the ways of Jesus!

I have watched this week as so many persons who have given themselves unconditionally to serve our Lord and to help train up our children. People have been flexible and have gone where needed and served well. I am proud – in a good way – to be a fellow servant with those who have helped with our VBS ministry this year. Last night was the final circle of leaders after the children left and the director played this song – a favorite of Linda Ryan – a former director who left us to be with Jesus.

There were many with sweating eyes while this song played last night. It says it all – we never know when our efforts for Jesus will touch even one heart.

We’re instructed in Deuteronomy to train up our children. Deuteronomy 6:7 – Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. A familiar proverb reads like this – Proverbs 22:6 – Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Parents and church members – our church wants to partner with parents to train up – to rear up – to raise up – our children – in the way of the Lord. Two influences – the family/parents and the church – will make a larger impact working together than they could possibly do working a part. We want to be Biblically sound and to follow the admonition of our Lord to train up the children (including our youth). Please – join with us as we team to make a difference in the next generation.

How can you help you might ask? Talk with your child’s Sunday School teacher and ask how you might help or step up and become a Sunday School teacher. Ask the person in charge of our children’s education program (for FUMC that would be Kelly) and see how we might help. Become involved. Help with the youth program (talk to Russ). Show that you care and want to support the children and youth ministries at your local church and you will be amazed at how the program will benefit. We never know when our little piece will be the piece that touches a heart for Jesus.

Just something for us to think about today as we go on our way.