Making It Meaningful

Children &

Worship

WhaT iS WorShip? Is it a time when God calls His people to service, a time that allows individuals to extend themselves to God, or a time to focus on who God is? How do children define worship? Is it an activity only adults enjoy; a long time to sit still and be quiet; or a time to meet God, enjoy His presence, and tell Him how glad you are He is God?

Ask your child to define worship and what he enjoys about worship. Does he define worship as focusing on God and showing love, honor, and praise to God? Notice his attitudes about worship. Has he developed positive attitudes? From whom has he learned his attitudes of worship?

Do a quick search of the words worship, worshiped, or worshiping in a Bible and you will discover over 300 references. Psalm 100 states, “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness.” The psalm concludes, “His faithfulness endures through all generations.”

By Todd Capps

You are responsible for your child’s spiritual development.

Notice the last three words “through all generations.” God desires for people of all ages to worship Him.

According to Deuteronomy 6: 4-9, you are responsible for your child’s spiritual development. Worshiping together is one of the greatest avenues of teaching your child about God. Notice some advantages of worshiping as a family:

• Your child sees you experience the presence of God.

• Your child sees people of all ages worshiping together.

• Your child sees how Bible passages can be applied to all types of life situations (from school to work to retirement).

• Your child is included in worship activities.

• Your child learns that giving of himself and his offerings are an important part of worship.

Lead your child in worship regularly. See our redesigned department “Parenting for Life” on page 49 with a weekly worship guide for families.

28 PARENTLIFE MARCH 2008