Topic(s): Children

In dealing with children, sometimes we act as if they do not have feelings. We need to try to understand how they see things. I shall never forget when our granddaughter, who was younger than two, was taking medication which caused her hair to fall out. When she saw herself in the mirror she turned her head. She was embarrassed. It had not occurred to me that she would be. I wonder how often we tease children in such a way as to embarrass them.

While in the first grade, the teacher asked me to bring two forked sticks to class the next day. They were to be used in fixing a “campfire” on a sand table. I forgot. When I got to school I remembered but was so humiliated that I turned around and started home. They saw me leave and sent my oldest brother after me. He caught up with me and demanded that I go back to school. I would not do it. He never asked me why I had left. Or, if he did, I did not tell him. If we had communicated with one another it would have been no trouble for him to get a couple of forked sticks for me. They were of the same type from which we made sling shots.

Try to understand children. Try not to embarrass them. Through our carelessness we could cause them to be discouraged. Our Lord warned against causing them to stumble (Matthew 18:6, 10). How precious they are and how quickly they grow up.

“Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned . . .” (Matthew 18:6).

Getting the Most Out of a Bible Class

Topic(s): Bible Study

Several universities have experimentally demonstrated that we remember only about half of what we hear (some say 10 percent of the sermons). To get more out of Bible classes, remember these suggestions:

• Get a good night’s rest on Saturday. Dull minds are found in exhausted bodies. Listening is work. It increases the heart rate, increases blood circulation, and raises the body temperature.
• Get rid of distractions. If easily distracted, move closer to the speaker. Do not play with the cute little child in front of you. If you must be doing something with your hands, take notes.
• Learn to concentrate. You can think four or five times faster than the teacher can speak. Use the extra time to weigh what he says. Review what he has already said; anticipate what he might say next. Did he offer scriptural proof for his point? If you disagree, what arguments does he offer to change your mind?
• Don’t allow the mind to wander down a “rabbit trail.” Let menu-planning, business deals, lesson plans, and fingernail-filing wait.

“For the preaching [teaching] of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

A Son's Open Letter to His Father

Topic(s): Father

Dear Dad,

There are so many things I’d like to tell you face to face. I either lack the words or fail to find the time or place. But in this special letter, Dad, you’ll find, at least in part, the feelings that the passing years have left in my heart. The memories of childhood days and all that you have done to make our home a happy place and growing up such fun.

I can still recall the walks we took, the games we played; those confidential chats we had while resting in the shade. This letter comes to thank you Dad, for needed words of praise; the counsel and the guidance, too, that shaped my growing-up days. No words of mine can tell you, Dad, the things I really feel; but you must know my love for you is lasting, warm, and real.

You made my world a better place and, through the coming years, I’ll keep these precious memories as cherished souvenirs.

Your Son

“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged” (Colossians 3:20-21).

Top 10 Reasons to Be a Bible Teacher: Part 2

Topic(s): Evangelism, Wisdom

Links to this entire series:

• Top Ten Reasons to Be A Bible Teacher: Part 1
• Top Ten Reasons to Be A Bible Teacher: Part 2

5. Affecting the Future Yes it might be trite, but it is true. Teachers mold the future during each class. In fact, it is a sad fact that you may teach these students more Bible than their parents will.
6. Staying Younger Being around young people will help you remain knowledgeable about current trends and ideas. It also helps break down barriers.
7. Inspires Creativity Not many opportunities provide an individual with so much room to be creative and autonomous each day.
8. Conducive to Family Life What you teach to other people’s children in class, you’ll have an opportunity to teach your own children or grandchildren. It will help you be a better parent or grandparent.
9. Job Security In some churches, teachers are a scarce commodity. Once you have proven yourself a successful teacher, you’ll likely be able to pick your favorite age to teach, or even switch around. And if you move to another congregation, you’ll immediately have a way to make friends and get involved.
10. Flexible Schedule You can choose whether you want to teach on Sundays or Wednesdays, and substitutes are available when you need to be away on vacation, or just need to take a break for a quarter. —adapted from Melissa Kelly

What's the Difference?

Topic(s): Priorities

• A man got out of bed at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday to go fishing, but couldn’t get up for Sunday morning Bible class!
• He went a hundred miles on Friday night to a ball game, but thought ten miles was too far to come twice on Sundays!
• He took his family to a circus and spent a hundred dollars, but couldn’t afford to give a hundred dollars to the Lord!
• He was on the membership committee at the civic club, but couldn’t find the right approach to invite a friend to services!
• He took an aspirin and went to work despite an annoying headache, but a similar headache is cause for missing the worship!

Why the difference? Just a matter of wanting to.

“And that which fell among thorns are they, which . . . are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:14–15).