The children of missionaries who leave their homes to travel far off to take the gospel to unreached people groups have several challenges. The people in the Church expect them to be spiritually mature beyond their age. The people outside the Church state that their parents are a failure. Even the kids of pastors sometimes face a similar dilemma. One missionary kid of a medical doctor told his father, “Why did you come to serve these poor people, who do not pay you? It would have been better if you had worked as a doctor, earned and provided all my desires. See how my friends live?” One missionary kid became bitter and left the ministry. A pastor’s kid entered the movie industry, turning his back on the church.
Sacrifice: In many contexts, choosing to be in the full-time ministry may require sacrificing their income, lowering their lifestyle choices, and their children’s education. Nevertheless, some children are unable to adjust their lifestyle to the new realities. Some parents can convince, instruct, and guide their children on the right path. They share that they could give the two greatest gifts in the world, which are the best, and make them excel in their lives.
The Bible: King David praised the Word of God as perfect, more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. (Psalm 19:7,10) Introducing children to the joy of reading the Bible and knowing God is the responsibility of parents. The greatest gift parents could give their children is the Bible.
The Most Holy Faith: One missionary parent said to his children, “No university could teach this, no institution could offer, but we would teach and demonstrate this Most Holy Faith.” (Jude 1:20) Christians have the great privilege to share this and help children to be reconciled with God and experience regeneration.
Kids excel: All Christian parents should give these two gifts to children: The Bible and The Most Holy Faith. With these two, wherever they go, whatever they do, they will excel, giving glory to God.
Do I teach children the Bible and the Most Holy Faith?