For awhile I’ve wondered whether it is makes sense to allow my children to pray at mealtimes. We do ask them to pray, and sometimes they volunteer. I’m certain that I’ve avoided having them pray when they’ve been naughty (although I wonder if that’s more recognizing the priority of my own need to pray). But if they are not saved, if they know they’re not saved, is it wise to allow them to act as though they are right with God? On the other hand, is it necessary to hover over every spiritual action and remind them of their status as a non-Christian?
These are all questions I’ve had, and never come to any satisfying conclusions. When we started as a family considering James 4 (especially the ideas that 1)God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble and 2) If we draw near to God, he will draw near to us), I realized that I may be closer to resolving some of the questions I have.
This morning, I considered that giving thanks for God is an act of drawing near to God. Look at the opposite of this action:
because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, (Romans 1:21-22)
The whole passage focuses on a process. I’ve always been fascinated at the connection between a lack of thankfulness and the rejection of God. When I read this passage this morning, I realized that thanking God is a good part of the process of seeking God and should not be prevented.
What does that mean for our children praying at mealtimes? Well, I’m not going to feel uneasy if my unsaved children want to pray. I think I will be more willing to ask them to pray.
That’s one way God’s Word is changing me. How about you? Is Scripture changing you this week?
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