"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4 NIV) A couple was overheard complaining that they did not think a certain weight loss program was very effective. They told how they had bought the literature, videos, and some branded diet foods, but they still had not lost any weight. When quizzed on how many times they had attended meetings of the group, they confessed they had only been one time. The company's money back guarantee didn`t apply. Various researchers have come up with positive proof that going to church contributes positively to healthy family life. Studies on the effects of church attendance have been carried out by such prestigious institutions as Duke University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, the Center for Disease Control, Barna Research Group, and the National Institute for Health Research. Have you thought lately about the good memories you have from going to church with your family? Find at least two hours each week out of your busy and mundane schedule and find your way to church services. According to scientific studies done by these researchers, here are some of the positive benefits to your children. 1. Longer life expectancy; 2. Greatly reduces risk of children using Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs; 3. Reduces risk of suicide; 4. More likely to quickly overcome bouts of depression; 5. Reduces risk of children committing a crime; 6. Better attitude and more participation in school activities; 7. Less rebellious behavior; 8. Not likely to binge drink in college; 9. Improves chances of a "very happy" life; 10. Children will receive a lifelong moral compass; 11. They will wear seatbelts more often. God has always placed the responsibility for child rearing on the parents. Parents who truly desire to follow God`s perfect plan never make excuses and try to turn the child over to the school, some counselors, or government agencies. Long ago God impressed the importance of parents giving our children the right spiritual upbringing. "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV) We must overcome any temptation to minimize or trivialize the importance of the local church. Children must learn from an early age that the parents honestly and openly value the church. In some cases, this may require a complete change of habits, a re-ordering of priorities and a re-shuffling of schedules. Children who grow up observing the parents arising early and getting on with the business of caring for and providing for the family, will likely learn from this and emulate this behavior in their own families later on. If children grow up hearing parents say that they have God in their hearts and they don't need the church, then these parents have no right to expect Christ to have much influence upon the children. When parents take kids to church, they are setting the proper example by exposing their children to a positive atmosphere of joyful service to other people. The kids will learn about other people all over the world. They will learn from practical lessons and experience that a life of service to God`s people is the lifestyle that brings the most joy and happiness. They will learn that God loves all people with equal zeal and passion. We must teach our children by examples and study of the scriptures that the church of God is the body of Christ. Every part of the human body is important to the overall good functioning of the body. Every Christian is an important member of the spiritual body of Christ. It is through the church that God wants us to learn about Christ and the great hope of eternal salvation. "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 3:10 NIV) The church has a magnificent mission to spread the Gospel to the entire world in every generation. Every member is a priest and has the opportunity to serve others. Parents must show the children that they personally believe in the importance of the work of the church. The apostle Peter wrote about the importance of every Christian. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9 NIV) Joshua, the leader who took God`s people into the Promised Land, challenged people for all ages with his courageous statement. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Fathers and mothers please go against popular opionion and take your family to church. You will never regret this decision! You are encouraged to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments. David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 