The North W.S. Young Drive Church of Christ, Killeen, TX

"THE CHURCH AND THE HOME"

God has arranged for mankind three institutions that will guard and maintain order upon the earth. These are the civil government; the church; and, the home (Romans 13:1; Ephesians 3:10,11; and, Genesis 2:21-25). I desire to notice how two of these institutions work hand in hand with each other. Then, as they maintain that order...it will bring stability to the government.

Today, we often hear: What Has Happened To My Child? It has been suggested that children have 105,000 hours while they are awake between ages 1-21. Of those hours, 10,000 hours are spent at public or private schools; 2,000 hours are spent in Bible Class; but, 92,000 hours are spent at home. It should be noted therefore that the major source of training and discipline is at home.

Some parents blame the school and the church for the misbehavior of their children...but, we have seen that the home has the child almost 10 times longer than the school; and, 45 times longer than the church! It is no wonder that parents are told in both Old and New Testaments, that it is their responsibility to rear their children in the right way (Deut. 4:5-10; Eph. 6:4).

"I saw tomorrow marching by on little feet-
Within their faces I read the Prophecy complete.
I saw tomorrow look at me from those little eyes,
And I thought how carefully we would teach...If we were really wise!"

Herewith I give a few suggestions that will help both the church and the home in molding the life of a little child.

Teach and Practice Disciple. Without proper discipline any thing (even a child) will be devoid of proper growth. Proper discipline will not only discourage wrong doing, but will encourage doing good. If the child does right...praise him; if he takes the wrong course then correct him.
We must set and maintain proper priorities. The home, the church, and the government must set priorities. Our society seems to be out of focus. How is it that we can sit for hours (sometimes in the rain) and watch a ball game, but cannot sit for one hour in worship to God? How is it that we are sure to educate for making a living, yet do not teach how to live?
By having moral and ethical standards. The church and the home can set the tone in moral living, which in turn will be an influence in this world. Instead of conforming to the world, we need to be transformers (Romans 12:1,2). When morality is taught and maintained, we will have strong homes and strong churches, which will mean a better world.
The church and the home need to continue to show the greatness of the family. Family means we are one...we stick together...we love each other...and, we are concerned with the welfare of every member.

Yes, the home and the church must work hand in hand to show the world the right way. Without this cooperation, a nation will not long endure. "Righteous exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 13:34).

- Dan Carter

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