Protecting our Young

   “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”—Matthew 13:3-8

   One of the things I love the best about the church is that it can often be seen as one big family. And I think that our extended family here in Ventura does a good job of caring and looking out for each other. I always say that I have moms all over the place, adjusting my collar, fixing my hair, and reminding me to tie my shoes. But when it comes to the youth of our congregation, I don’t think it’s just the “moms” who can help out, but there is something that all of us can do to make a difference in their lives.

   In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains how the message can be planted in the hearts of men, but can also be vulnerable to many perils. I noticed that with our teens, there are several dangers they face today, that can jeopardize what we have planted in their hearts. But, there are also many ways that all of us can be involved in protecting our young ones, so that they may develop into young men and women of God.

   There are some of us who can help strengthen them, so that they will be able to resist the devil (seed eaten by the birds). And others who can nurture those who quickly become on fire for God, but who can also burn out and loose interest (seed on rocky places). I know of some of our members who have a knack for encouraging others, especially when the Way seems difficult and the world looks enticing (seed choked by thorns).

   All of us have some way that we can help protect, shelter, feed our youth as the seeds of the kingdom are planted in their hearts. By doing this, we create the good soil that is needed to produce a bountiful crop. The church, our Christian family, is the ideal place that God created for all of this to take place. So, whether you pass on to them some wisdom, inquire about their plans for college, ask how their walk with God is going, or just let them know how much you appreciate them, do it all for the sake of the Kingdom of God. And we should all be blest thirty, sixty, or maybe even a hundred times over.

   Let us continue to pray for the souls of our teens.

   In His service, SHANE

   “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.”—Hebrews 3:12-14