This world can be a scary place, especially for Christians.
Deconstruction. LGBTQ+. Racial injustice (still!). Post-Christian world. Gender identity. Political divide.
The list is ongoing for issues facing our society today. As a parent of little children, it’s overwhelming to me.
How will I raise children who follow Jesus in this world? I’ve asked myself this question a lot lately. I can’t help but wonder if my grandmothers had the same question because the world has always been in turmoil.
I’ve prayed about raising children in today’s world, talked to Christian friends about it, dug into my Bible, and I’m finding peace after the Holy Spirit reminded me that my children, husband and I were made "for such a time as this” (Esther 4:12-14).
Turning to Scripture can remind us where our hearts should be as we face today’s challenges.
1. Truth > Fear
“Mom, did you know boys can be girls and girls can be boys?” My five-year-old raised that question to me during dinner recently and I about choked on my food. He’s FIVE! I replied with biblical truth, but then I didn’t sleep and my brain spun for days. I was on a quest to find out who told my son this information and how I could stop it. My brain filled with “quick fixes,” until the Holy Spirit convicted me. I’m not in control, He is. He didn’t run from sinners, He ran to them. This isn’t the worst problem we could face, but rather a great opportunity to be a light for Him.
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (ESV)
2. Persevere
Whether you’re raising children to know Jesus, trying to be Jesus to a friend or neighbor, or serve others in the name of Jesus, it’s difficult in today’s world. Sometimes it seems easier to flex with culture, to avoid the difficult conversations, or even binge watch a show rather than spend time in the Word. But it’s so worth it when we spend time with Him and persevere.
“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers.” – 1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV)
3. Celebrate
God keeps whispering to me “for such a time as this” and I’m reminded of our Right Here, Right Now series in Esther. During that series, we learned that it’s not only fun to celebrate, but we should! A few days after that troubling dinner conversation with my son, he randomly shared something he learned during Sunday morning Kids Ministry. I celebrated him and the community that’s helping him grow in his faith. When there seems to be so much against us, God is at work executing His perfect plan!
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
What Scripture helps you navigate the challenges in today’s world? Comment below.
