The Word Will Not Return Void

After school today the children were drawing, cutting and writing in the kitchen. It was a gorgeous day outside, but they were really into their work. P & R were each making books about "gostbstrs."K was cutting pictures out of magazines of all the things she wants for Christmas. (The thinker in me worries that it is breeding consumerism and 'want,' my practical side is thankful that she is practicing her cutting, reading and sorting.)

A few minutes later she brought me a workbook she was drawing in and asked me to help her with a page. The exercise was to make a list of ten things you are grateful for. She wrote God first and then beamed at me. Then she wrote Jesus. I know I should have been touched, but there is a little too much cynic in me to ever leave well enough alone. K is quite the pleaser. Does she mean this, or does just want me to praise her?

"Why are you thankful for God and Jesus, K?"

She looked me squarely in the eye and said, "Because God made everything, then he sent Jesus to die on the cross so I can be washed clean from my sins."

I was shocked at the accuracy of her response. I worry sometimes that my kids are simply parrotting what they have been taught. Will they feel brainwashed? At what age can I start to tell if they embrace it for their own? As their mother, I am following a Biblical mandate to tell my children about God's Word.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)

I am reminded of something a pastor friend of ours says, "Do you know what you can do to insure the salvation of your children?" he asks. As every well-meaning Christian parent leans forward intently he answers his own question. "Absolutely nothing."

Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. Ephesians 2:7-10 (The Message)

It is staggering, sobering and a relief all at the same time. We obey the call He has on our lives to love and serve and glorify Him--whether it be with our children, extended family, neighbors, coworkers, enemies...We bear witness to the truth of His grace, love and mercy.

Taking that truth and attaching it to hearts (big and small) is His job. How precious it is to see!