Published 9/21/19
By Greg Johnson
What If...
Your Sunday school class is usually pretty fun because the teacher is young and lets you get away with a lot. Plus, many of your friends attend.
After that, however, comes church. Sometimes you can follow what’s happening, but it seems like it’s geared more for adults than kids. Because you’re getting older, you ask us if it’s OK to sit with your friends in the back. You promise not to make any noises and to pay attention. We look at each other with that yeah, right expression, but decide to give you a chance.
Your intentions are good as you sit with four of your friends. You really want this to work. After the singing, and during the offering, a couple of them start to laugh and snicker. It’s not too loud, but we look back at you. Trying to keep your friends quiet, you smile and wave at us.
When the pastor starts talking, it gets a little out of control. Your friends write notes on the offering envelopes in the pews, whisper back and forth, ask you questions—try to get you to laugh and have a good time.
You didn’t think it would be this hard to pay attention, but pretty soon you’re doing everything they’re doing. When the pastor’s sermon is over, you realize you didn’t hear a word of it. As the church empties, you see an adult tell Mom something. She looks over at you.
Questions to Think On
• If she asks how things went, what would you say?
• What could you have done to keep your friends quiet?
• What will you do the next week?
• Mom and Dad: How can your child get more out of church?
What Does God Have to Say?
Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
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