Though I’ve never been one for the “back to school, back to church mentality,” there are some natural seasons to refresh the priority of having your family in worship. September and January are two examples of these seasons. Christian parents/homes need to know just how important it is for kids to see their family participate in worship.
Worship on Sunday mornings (or whenever you participate in your church), should be marked on your calendar in pen, not in pencil. There should be no doubt in your mind of the importance of corporate weekly worship. First step: put it on your family calendar and get it in your weekly routine.
There’s a verse in 1 Timothy 4:8 that says, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” I also like the message version of this same verse: Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart…
I’ve often thought that if all the Christian families with kids who danced, participated in clubs, played sports, cheered, played in the band and other things were committed to worship on Sunday mornings, games and events on Sundays would dry up. Coaches, directors and event organizers would work around the incredible number of students who were just unavailable.
That’s all the more reason to mark worship in pen now. Then, when the time comes, you can trust that the most important things in your life will be at the top of the priority list and not somewhere at the bottom.
Clayton Christensen, Harvard Professor and author of How Will You Measure Your Life recalled a time while he was a student in England where he was playing basketball. They made it to the championship game, which was scheduled over the weekend on a Sunday morning. He told the team he could not play in the game because worship was a priority he had in his life. His faith was important to him and he didn’t want to start the vicious cycle of trying to determine when it was and when it wasn’t ok to put something before his commitment to corporate worship. His coach even said to him, “I think God will understand.” But Clayton was determined. He finished the story by staying their team won the championship and at the same time he has been able to stay true to his commitment. That was a foundational moment.
The principle he came away with is that 100% of the time is so much easier than 98% of the time.
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100% of the time is easier than 98% of the time. – Clayton Christensen
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Corporate worship is part of the regular rhythm of the Christian life.
Your kids will most likely do as you do not as you say. Students are more likely to get a sense of authentic faith if they see their parents live out a committed life and witness each day, including weekly corporate worship.
I know something like this can become legalistic, but it doesn’t have to! It can just become a natural outcome of a life that honors and loves God. Want your kids to stay connected to faith and worship as adults? Make it a priority now. Let them see you enjoy faithfully and joyfully participating in the church.
I write with church leaders in mind and I would be honored to have you join me by subscribing to the blog. You can take a look at the top posts here. The posts are categorized: pastors, worship leaders, student ministry and kids ministry. In case we’re just meeting, here’s little about my life.
Other Posts:
11 Indications Your Church Has Shifted From Battleship to Cruise ship.
7 Ways To Let Kids Proclaim God’s Glory In Worship
Are You Raising Family-Centered Or Child-Centered Kids?
Eight Ways To Turn Your Children Into Champions
I found it helpful when you said to put church going on your family calendar. My husband and I want to make church worship a part of our families life. Thank you for your information on how to make it a priority.