Education

I love it when I say something to my dogs and, although they do not understand, they try hard to figure out what I want.  It usually involves a tilt of their head, the raising of their ears, and their complete, undivided attention.

I have discovered that if I want to train my dogs, I need to involve them.  I, of course, give verbal commands.  I have have to tell them what I want.  But, that is not enough.  They have no idea what the words mean.  So, I also have to show them what I want.  When I combine the verbal command with an associated action, it is easier for them to make the connection.  It often takes a lot of repetition.  However, the best way is to combine all these things and involve the dog.  If I want him to sit, I give the command, gently push his back end down until he sits, and then praise him when he does it.  Doing all these things, and doing it often, will teach the dog to do what I command.  And, I have discovered, that my dogs really desire to be obedient.  They want to do what I command, but they need to be taught.

The same is true with our children.  I feel like I am always telling my kids what to do.  Do this.  Do that.  Don't do this.  Don't do that.  When they forget, I get upset.  Didn't I tell them what I wanted?  Yes, but they forgot.  So, what should I do?  I should teach them, I should involve them.  This is true in life and in the church.

We sometimes think kids are too young to participate in church.  We tell them about the Lord.  We tell them how they should live their lives.  Unfortunately, I am not sure we really teach them.  I am not sure we really involve them.  I wonder if that is why we see a great falling away of our children when they are old enough to make their own decisions.  We allow our kids to play during church.  We allow them to be entertained by other things.  I know the attention span at different ages (and different kids) varies.  But, I still think we can do a better job.  I have heard our pastor say that kids are the church tomorrow, but they are also the church today.

If we really mean it, let's tell them, teach them, and involve them - today!

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  ~Deuteronomy 11:19