One of the areas that God has been speaking to me about lately (actually, for the past two years or so!) is evangelism. His love is so amazing that we should be compelled to tell others about Him. I have a long way to grow in this area. I feel like I've gained a lot of head knowledge but because of my lack of perception and boldness, my experience is very weak.
Here's an interesting dilemma: what should be a child's role in evangelism? On the surface, it should be the same as ours - to share the good news of Christ with other people. But children don't have the same perceptions or social awareness as grown-ups. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
I would be upset if someone was trying to "evangelize" Elizabeth into some other religion. I certainly am not adverse to her learning about other religions and developing friendships with people who don't believe the same way we do, but I recognize that young children are very impressionable and I want to be the one who teaches her about the Truth at this tender age. So if Elizabeth has a friend over to play, and we talk with the friend about what we believe, is that "evangelizing" the friend? And is it different if it's Elizabeth or me that talks about it?
Obviously, I'm still trying to sort out what I believe should be a child's role in evangelism. Right now I think that it's great to encourage kids to tell others about their faith, what they believe, and why they live the way they do. But I have to admit that I cringed when Elizabeth had a friend over whose family believes there are many ways to God and Elizabeth started telling the friend about Satan. Any thoughts?
3 comments:
This is definitely a topic I've also thought about. In your account, I really admire Elizabeth's boldness to proclaim the truth to her friend. I admire how children are able to speak truth so plainly and without fear. I only wish I had that boldness. There are countless times that Jesus spoke truth and I'm sure people were offended because the things He spoke of either didn't make sense to them or they disagreed. I definitely don't have all the answers, but I think this is an excellent topic for discussion!
God's REALLY been working in my heart on this too. And it's lately been occupying nearly every thought of mine. It's such a hard thing, but we make it so much harder than it needs to be. I know that I love God and the more that I grow closer to Him the more He impresses on my heart to share my love for Him with others. I have this HUGE desire to share with coworkers and anyone God brings to me, and it's been driving me crazy lately because I'm having such a hard time putting that love into action in that way. I say, more power to Elizabeth in sharing with her friends. The fact that she's sharing so boldly shows she has a strong faith and love for God at such a young age! And I believe God uses little children and adults in different ways. You and Isaac are teaching her truth about our Lord and Savior, and she is so blessed to have you as her parents. She will hold onto what you teach her. Let her tell others- it's a beautiful thing :)
This is a good one to discuss. In fact maybe Kim Ooms would be a good one to bring it up with. She has so much wisdom and experience with small kids.
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