Today, I have questions, not answers…
When did you first hear about Christ? When were you first taught about Christ? In American, we typically hear about Christ at a young age, and we typically accept Christ at a young age. The research data varies, but the age at which Americans say they accepted Christ:
Before their 14th birthday: between 50-85%
Before their 18th birthday: between 65-90%
After their 25th birthday: between 5-25%
Statistics are not always super dependable, but I think we can safely agree, that in American more young people accept Christ that older people.
So, what does that mean?
For parents, what does that mean?
For Cumberland, what does that mean?
Does that effect how we do ‘church’?
Should it effect how we do ‘church’?
How does Luke 8 shape our answers to these questions?
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” – Luke 8:11-15
As we grow older we loose some of ourselves in living daily life. Jesus was pretty clear that faith is like a little child. Adults hardened their hearts (soil) and have a harder time hearing the good news.
Luke 18:16-17 (New International Version, ©2010)
16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
I praise God He got my attention as a teen. I don’t like to think what my life would be like without Jesus in it.
We need to pray for our youth and children to listen and hear.