In a world filled with so much “darkness”, I find myself cynical at times as I ask the question, “How in the world do I to teach my kids to be a light for Jesus”? With the removal of God from our schools, businesses, politics, the foundation that our country was even founded on, how do we fight back? It can feel hopeless when we battle these changes as adults, much less try and imagine how our children and grandchildren will someday reap the consequences.
As I took my boys to a new Christian movie that had come out last week, I had this light bulb moment as the theater grew dark and the previews concluded. The room was full of guests, all awaiting a public showing of a movie that they knew would stand for Christ. I recalled my childhood and even as recent as the last 5 years, and I couldn’t remember having watched a single Christian movie in the theaters. Yet in this past year, we have taken our kids to 4 of them. Then I thought about Christian radio and the many artists that stand their platform for the Lord, strong and proud- and Public! I was reminded that I didn’t have that as a child either. In high school youth group there had been a few artists that we may have listened to, but only if you owned their CD or heard one of their songs played at church. (I know right?…that makes me feel ancient!)
I was being convicted.
How amazing is it that our kids are actually growing up in a culture where Christian radio, music, and movies are almost as common as the secular ones. Maybe my perception of the absence of Jesus in our culture has been jaded. My heart smiled at this new realization of how open and known our Savior can actually be in the public eye. I am newly hopeful for the world that I am raising my children in as I see how Jesus can be made known if we just teach our kids how to stand for Him. With the voices of Christian music in our homes, our cars, and on all of our “I” devices- their little ears are hearing. When we take them to movies with moral messages, their little eyes are seeing. And by teaching them the love of God and His word, their little hearts are receiving. God’s love can’t be darkened, and when our kids are surrounded by it, His light can’t help but shine through them and into our dark world. What a responsibility we have as parents to be the teachers of their souls, as we get to watch what our Lord does when He lights their paths and makes His imprint on His creation- with them!
With Love- April
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone who is in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in Heaven.
Ahh….exactly what I needed to hear. It’s so easy to get caught up in the trap of feeling like people are just removing God from everything. Even though that definitely exists, I love how you spun it. We are also living in a time where the message of God is being heard in ways it wasn’t before! Thank you for this. I need to focus on all of the ways the Holy Spirit IS working. Love you April and love how God is using you!!! It’s a blessing to all!!
Such a good reminder. Thank you. Just the other day my husband and I were discussing the differences in the times. W when we were growing up and how our kid are growing up. Just as I was feeling discouraged about this world, I hear my kids singing to Tobymac in the back seat of the car. Thank you Jesus and thank YOU for the encouragement!