* Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

I can’t tell you how many times I have encountered an account of someone who was brought up in church but has made a total 180 degree turn and cannot serve God anymore. Sometimes they just cannot be a part of the church anymore but this leads to further and further distance from God.They often tell of being hurt by the church. And this has always bothered me. I was saved as an adult and I have always thought how wonderful it would have been if I had grew up in the church. Wouldn’t I be a more mature christian and much closer to God? But the unfortunate answer is not necessarily.

Why are so many people hurt by the church to the point where they turn from God.

Are we as the church doing something wrong?Are we bringing up the youth in the church in the right way.

Are we teaching our children who God is?

Is our lives an example that will testify of Him?

Are we teaching our children about God, his word , how to pray,and to trust God?

Are we being good examples that they can see howpassionately we love God?

Are we demonstrating how to trust Him when things go totally upsided down and we hurt and are in pain.

The Bible tells us in so many places to teach our children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go:and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

It recently occurred to me that how I choose to serve God affects not only me and my salvation. but also my children and every person God has put in my life who he wants me to be an example for.

My actions may not only cost me my salvation but also someone else’s salvation. Am I being a stumbling block?

When we make decisions like puting the world first and God after, are we becoming a stumbling block for someone else?

I hope this find you in a good place and I hope it helps us all do better each day so that we can be a help and not a hindrance to all who comes our way. The children of the church is it’s future and we need to meditate on this and realize how important a job it is to bring them up in the Lord.

Matthew 19:14: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”We have to teach them and we have to correct them.

Proverbs 29:17: “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.”Psalms 78:4 We will not hide them from their children,shewing to the generation to comethe praises of the LORD, and his strength,and his wonderful works that he hath done.

Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”