After watching too many war movies with my father, and now with my own family, the concept of “leaving no one behind” has become familiar. Apparently, this idea takes root in the earliest days of known warriors. Greek Mythology touts efforts of combatants who dare rescue comrades who have been captured by the enemy. In real life combat, the Greek’s “Nemo Resideo” comes out in present day Soldier’s Creed which vows to never leave a fallen comrade behind.
Such core values come to mind whenever I prepare my children to come to church on Sundays. While they know that Sundays are for God and worship, sometimes their immature minds would want to succumb to resting and relaxing on a weekday morning instead of getting dressed and heading to church.
While the easiest way is to just leave them behind, I always get reminded of the military concept of “leaving no one behind.” I would not want my children to grow up not knowing their priorities, I do not want them to grow up not knowing who God is, and not giving Him the praise and worship that He deserves. After all, as parents, we are being commanded to teach our children to love God above all.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on 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 6:4-7
And so, like any school day morning, I blast praise music to rouse them and get them ready. I also make sure that they sleep early the night before — yes, even if it is a Saturday — because our priority is to be in church at least five minutes ahead of time. Like a warrior vowing to not leave anyone behind, I slash through thoughts of just allowing them to be just like other children who are being given the option to just stay at home and not worship.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2
More importantly, we parents should take heart our responsibility to raise our children to seek and walk with the Lord. Even at an early age, they should know that there is no other way to spend Sunday than thanking the Lord for everything He has done for us, praising His name, presenting our supplications, declaring our dependence on Him, and worshipping alongside fellow believers.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Letting our children get to know Jesus is the best gift we could ever give them. It is the ultimate inheritance they can ever get, because being in God’s presence, journeying with Him, having peace with Him, and aligning their will with His will make them resilient individuals, that possess a deep sense of security and contentment, not on the things of this world, but in the abundance of God’s love and mercy.
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
If we want our children to know what is right from wrong, and live a good life long after we have passed on from this earth, let us start them young. It is never too early for them to be brought to church, to tag along in bible study sessions, and to participate in church activities and even in ministry.
We can start one step at a time by vowing this 2025 to intentionally bring them to church every Sunday. We can make it fun for them by getting them to Sunday school. If there is none offered in the church, then why not try to explain the teaching in that particular mass or service to the children in a way they will understand? We also should make family traditions they can look forward to like Sunday brunch after mass, and then activities centered around church celebrations. It may take time, energy and patience, but such an investment is worth it. After all as Christian parents it is our foremost calling to raise our children into Christlikeness.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Psalm 121 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How would you take your children nearer to Christ in 2025?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for making me a parent. Please give me the strength to raise my children into Your likeness. Give me the confidence to continue calling onto you, to nurture our relationship, and live a family life centered on You. Amen.
