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JESUS SAID: "LET THE YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE,
AND STOP It has long been the custom of many parents to listen to the recommendation of unqualified men to compel their children to sit still and quiet through many hours of congregation meetings. Agonizingly so, since their childhood is thus blighted by the prospect of sitting hour upon hour listening to lofty sermons beyond their mental grasp. This is an example of "hindering" the young children. Consequently, caring provision must be made for "suchlike ones". Otherwise, they may come to associate gatherings in The Christ's name with discomfort and boredom. Allocating separate rooms at an appropriate time for their studies of God's Word would be far more beneficial to them. Further, little children learn when spiritual principles are illustrated by examples and taught in a simpler story form, and in less formal surroundings. Only older children and adults are required to pay "all the more heed" to spiritual matters, that they may be properly understood. (Heb 2:1 NEB). Therefore, if necessary, wives may refrain from attending congregation meetings with their children if those meetings are intended solely for an adult audience. Let wives do as the apostle Paul advised: "If, then, they want to learn something, let them question their own husbands at home". (1 Cor 14:35). There are many ways of hindering young children. But for parents to do so because they are determined to attend every congregation meeting regardless of the frustration and discomfort they may cause their children, forcing them to concentrate on matters far beyond their mental scope, could quite easily be at the expense of their children's spiritual wellbeing. (Eph 6:4 NEB). Children should also be permitted to socialize at congregational outings and other social events. This allows them to vent some of their vital energy and freely express themselves. Since a regimen of prolonged hours of study may be damaging to their spiritual welfare, it would be wiser not to force their young natures into an emotional 'strait jacket' at congregation meetings.
11/8/89. |
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