Beware what lurks in the darkness
My five-year-old son is a joy to my life and I love him dearly. Recently, like most children, he has begun to fear the monsters hidden in his closet and in the dark corners of his room. Many nights, he comes running into the living room, loudly expressing his fears. These nights I take him back to his room, turn on the lights, and help him search his room for monsters. When he has sufficient evidence that there are no monsters, I reassure him that there is nothing to fear and tuck him back into bed.
Eventually, as he grows up, my son will come to learn what all adults already know: there are no monsters lurking in the dark or hiding under his bed.
What if I told you that the fears you had as a child are true? What if I told you that there really are things lurking in the darkness, intent on doing you and your family harm? This is the reality described in 1 Peter 5:8. This passage describes Satan as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." While this may conjure up images of a lion on the hunt, preparing to pounce on his prey, this is not the image intended by this passage. A roaring lion is a wounded lion. The imagery here is that of a wounded predator lashing out at whatever dares to come too close. Make no mistake, Satan is intent on inflicting as much pain and heartache on you and your children as he possibly can.
You are not alone. That's the good news in all of this. You don't have to face the dangers in the darkness on your own. First of all, God fights for those who love and serve Him. Secondly, the Church is here for you.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is perhaps the most commonly quoted passage concerning raising children to love and obey God. Most apply this passage directly to parents, and with good reason. Parents have the most influence in the lives of their children. Yet, this passage doesn't just apply to parents. This section of Scripture is part of a larger sermon that Moses presents to all of Israel, beginning in Deut. 5. Thus, the responsibility of raising godly children falls on parents and on the people of God (i.e. the Church).
If we are to raise godly children, the Church and the family must work together, hand-in-hand. The purpose of this blog is to present possible ideas on how families and the Church can each contribute to this endeavor. It is my hope and prayer and this blog might be of benefit to your family and to the Church as a whole.
The first suggestion I offer is this: join a local congregation and become an active part of it. You do not have to face the evil lurking in the darkness alone. Join a local congregation and seek to become an active member. In doing so, you will find that your family benefits in the process. Don't face Satan or the challenges of parenting alone. Join your local congregation so that we can face them together.
Eventually, as he grows up, my son will come to learn what all adults already know: there are no monsters lurking in the dark or hiding under his bed.
What if I told you that the fears you had as a child are true? What if I told you that there really are things lurking in the darkness, intent on doing you and your family harm? This is the reality described in 1 Peter 5:8. This passage describes Satan as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." While this may conjure up images of a lion on the hunt, preparing to pounce on his prey, this is not the image intended by this passage. A roaring lion is a wounded lion. The imagery here is that of a wounded predator lashing out at whatever dares to come too close. Make no mistake, Satan is intent on inflicting as much pain and heartache on you and your children as he possibly can.
You are not alone. That's the good news in all of this. You don't have to face the dangers in the darkness on your own. First of all, God fights for those who love and serve Him. Secondly, the Church is here for you.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is perhaps the most commonly quoted passage concerning raising children to love and obey God. Most apply this passage directly to parents, and with good reason. Parents have the most influence in the lives of their children. Yet, this passage doesn't just apply to parents. This section of Scripture is part of a larger sermon that Moses presents to all of Israel, beginning in Deut. 5. Thus, the responsibility of raising godly children falls on parents and on the people of God (i.e. the Church).
If we are to raise godly children, the Church and the family must work together, hand-in-hand. The purpose of this blog is to present possible ideas on how families and the Church can each contribute to this endeavor. It is my hope and prayer and this blog might be of benefit to your family and to the Church as a whole.
The first suggestion I offer is this: join a local congregation and become an active part of it. You do not have to face the evil lurking in the darkness alone. Join a local congregation and seek to become an active member. In doing so, you will find that your family benefits in the process. Don't face Satan or the challenges of parenting alone. Join your local congregation so that we can face them together.
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