Listen, Believe, Obey

The previous post offers a bare bones argument for why the adults in the Body of Christ should set a priority on the Christian education of our little ones, specifically in the ministry of Sunday School. But it cannot be ignored that as we take responsibility for that work, it will only achieve its full effect when our children fulfill their responsibilities as well. As parents, we would do well to remind our children of their dutiful response. Which is:

1. Our children must HEAR. They must not let the familiarity with the subjects at hand lead to indifference. They must listen actively. An apathetic and unresponsive heart is a heart that is more easily led astray and it is a reflection of a haughty spirit to think we already know it all. The Word of God is a deep mine whose treasures can never be fully exhausted.

The Shorter Catechism states well how we are to hear:

Q. 90 - How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual unto salvation?

A. 90 - That the Word may become effectual unto salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation and prayer; receive it with faith and love and lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

Our children have memorized this, but do they know what it means to attend diligently? Our friend, Noah Webster, would say they are to listen with "steady, earnest and energetic effort." There is a reason our pastors, before the public reading of Scripture, regularly remind us to "Pay careful attention!" or "Listen carefully!" How much more do our children need this reminder not to take God's Word lightly but to listen on purpose.

It is their duty to heed Solomon's advice to his son,

"Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it..."

Proverbs 8:33

"My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings..."

Proverbs 4:20

"And now, O sons, listen to me, and do not depart from the words of my mouth..."

Proverbs 5:7

Deuteronomy reminds us that the words of God are not just idle words for us, they are our life! We must remind our children of this so that they listen - diligently...carefully...actively...on purpose. When they hear God's words through our instruction, their minds are renewed, they take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and they begin to think God's thoughts after him.

We should also remind them that their hearts and minds must be prepared to receive God's word, which means that sins must be confessed prior to hearing. We also must receive the Word with prayer. The Psalmists repeatedly implore, "Open my eyes..." "Give me understanding..." "Make me to know..." "Teach me..." We do well to remember our dependence on the work of God's Spirit to guide us into His Truth.

2. Our children must HOLD FAST. Once they listen diligently to God's word, they must take hold of it...that is, grab onto it as they would a life-preserver in the middle of the ocean. Holding fast to what you hear is an act of belief. Again, Solomon instructs his son:

"Let your heart hold fast to my words..."

Proverbs 4:4

"Hold fast to instruction; do not let her go; guard her for she is your life."

Proverbs 4:13

"Whoever takes hold of instruction is on the path to life."

Proverbs 10:17

"Bind them [teachings] on your heart always; tie them around your neck..."

Proverbs 6:21

"Bind them [commandments] on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart."

Proverbs 7:3

Holding fast is an expression of faith which leads to ever-increasing trust and devotion. If our children express doubt and skepticism, we must pray earnestly with and for them and encourage them to pray for themselves, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!"

3. Our children must HEED. (Yes, it's alliterated. Clever...I know. Or maybe it's just cheesy!) Finally, once our children listen carefully and take hold by faith, then they must put it into practice. They are not to be like the man who sees himself in the mirror, but walks away and immediately forgets what he saw. No, belief necessarily translates into action...or "faith without works is dead." Failure to obey is the same as disobedience. A life of habitual, unconfessed disobedience is a life absent of faith. Not only are they to resist inaction or direct disobedience, they should, like the Psalmist, turn their feet unto his testimonies and make haste to keep his commandments!

"My son, keep your father's commandments..."

Proverbs 6:20

"Keep my commandments and live..."

Proverbs 7:2

"He who keeps the law is a discerning son..."

Proverbs 28:7

When our children listen, believe and obey the words of God, we will see them walking worthy of their calling in Christ Jesus, applying Truth to their daily lives, destroying every vain philosophy that raises itself up against the knowledge of God, discipling the nations, and one-anothering their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Isn't that a joyful vision?!