Reading Between the Lines

Since October, we've (the children and I) been talking a lot about heaven. As the result of tragedy and grief, children want to be comforted with the "what happens next" of death. I've had multiple parents come to me with concern of their children claiming that they're excited to be in heaven. Now, for a family of non-believers that could raise concern. Anytime a child talks about death in the context of their own life it makes parents uncomfortable. But, as I've been soothing and telling our families that this is the sweetest affirmation of what our children know about God and the fulfillment of being with Jesus eternally. This is their declaration and curiosity of wanting a deeper relationship with Christ. Praise God! This is what we pray for! We want our children excited to know Jesus and glorify Him forever. Amen?

As parents and leaders of children, we can choose to interpret scripture from a place of being scared, and wanting to have all of the control/answers in our own lives. But, as I'm seeing, it's so much more beautiful when we choose to listen and live out the promises of Christ as our children do. Do I speak about longing for heaven? Not as much as I should.  Being in heaven means no tragedy, no sin, perfection and dwelling and seeing Jesus forever. If that's what our children long for- and speak of, then I will advocate for their want to be closer to Jesus- and know Him more. There are ways for us to make that happen here on earth! We can help them know more of Christ through how we love, how we teach, how we serve... I think they understand in the simplest form that we were made of eternal dwelling, we were not made for this world. They have full knowledge that in Heaven, in His presence, is where we will know Him fully. So, friends, I long for that day, too. I long to see Him face to face- and be done with sadness, illness, and tragedy. Of course, the conversation of death shouldn't be taken lightly with children but, I don't think it's ever something that we as adults should scare them from, just because we don't have all the answers about it.

Last week, I taught about the Holy Spirit and Pentecost during our CCP Kids Bible Study. With each group, we talked about how it could have been scary to be hiding in the upper room, with violent winds, resting tongues of fire upon each of the followers of Jesus, and people speaking in tongues. But, instead, this is how we interpreted it:

We believe God has complete control of everything.
God wanted to give us more of Himself as a help and guide to be with us forever.
It came in a way only God could show, instead of a way we give gifts.
God did some awesome things- that no one could ever try to do themselves.

At the end of the lesson, I even had groups of kids begging to read the next chapter in Acts. I call that successful. If ever a child wants to know more about scripture, I can't help but say... "Alright, Let's keep reading!"

As leaders, it's our calling to help children read between the lines of scripture and daily life. It's our job to help them apply the truths of the Gospel to their own lives of faith. We can allow the facts of violent winds and lots of foreign languages being spoken at the same time scare them; OR, we can choose to help them see that ONLY God can do these things. We trust God! We know God loves us and wants the best for us, so we shouldn't be afraid.

It's my job as your family and child's advocate in the kingdom, to help you interpret and answer the hard questions. It is my great JOY and privilege to do so along side of your precious families. I pray for you daily as you lead your child through scripture, through his\her faith- and that you feel equipped by the Holy Spirit as your kids spout out the tough questions. Be encouraged by their curiosity and desire to know more of Christ. The questions mean that God is at work, and the Holy Spirit is moving in their lives. They wouldn't be asking any questions about faith if the Holy Spirit wasn't prompting them to do so. What sweet encouragement!