Train Up A Child…

There is one very important spiritual truth that every Christian church body should adhere to if they want to impact, in a positive way, the social order, mindset and worldview of their community.  Surprisingly, it has to do with the gender makeup of their flock.

How many generations in your family are baptized believers in Jesus Christ?  Is there an appreciative number of young people in your church congregation?  I ask these questions because it has been said that the church is just one generation short of extinction!  God also reminds us through his Word that this could be true for Scripture says: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he shall not depart from it.”  Proverbs 26:6

One easy way to insure a lasting foundation in the mindset of our young boys’ and girls’ consciousness to always seek God and his righteousness is to decorate our Sunday school classrooms and corridors with five basic colors.  If this was done, you would be amazed at how many biblical truths would be recalled and applied by the children as they wonder through life’s traumatic experiences.  For as you know, the adult population of the church has the ordained responsibility to share God’s Word to the next generation in a meaningful and comprehensive way.

A few important discoveries and observations have been made by researchers and experts about the psychology and effects that  colors have on moods, feelings and behaviors.  It has also been reported that in addition to influencing physiological reactions, various colors are a powerful communication tool.  Take for example the color systems used for traffic signs, traffic lights, rail road crossings, highway markings, street cross walks, national and international flags, emergency vehicles, etc.

As you can see, the world uses color effectively, so why not Jesus Christ?

The five basic colors that have been correlated to Scripture principles are: black, red, green, gold and white.  When these colors are incorporated in children ministry it will make studying and learning much easier.  It will also enable the teachers to explain biblical concepts and truths more vividly, which can be used by the Holy Spirit to change and direct our children’s lives in a more productive manner.

If the church’s goals are to impact social order, influence our mindset and introduce a positive worldview, than why not take a hint from the Prophet Jeremiah:  “Rise in the night and cry to your God.  Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord; lift up your hands to him; plead for your children as they faint with hunger in the streets.”  Lamentations 2:19 (Living Bible)

The color Black represents Sin.  “For all have sinned, and come shot of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24	The bible clearly teaches from Genesis to Revelation that there must be a blood-sacrifice atonement for the remission of sin and no vegetable or grain offering would suffice.  Genesis 3:15 announces the coming Savior, (…the Seed of the woman) as the ultimate sacrifice.  Sin, which initiates from the heart of mankind, separates us from God who is Holy. Pray and ask Jesus for a contrite heart and an humble spirit.
The color Red represents the blood of Jesus Christ.  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8	Romans 5:8 declares…”But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  And in another passage…”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16  And yet another more personal passage…”I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22b  Pray and ask Jesus to ‘find’ you and allow you to be His vessel.
The color Green represents your growth in the Lord.  “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18	After salvation, you need to grow in the Lord. You also need to know that God keeps his promises and he is faithful and just to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9).  While growing, you need to realize God will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).  Additionally, we need to study to show ourselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15); pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17); and in an unequivocal manner know God’s plans for your life are that you prosper (Jer. 29:11).  Pray and ask Jesus to order your steps in His Word.
The color Gold represents God’s purity. “The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.” Revelation 21:21	It is comforting to know that not only is God’s Holy City one of purity by design, but so are the Citizens of that City.  Because of Jesus’ love for you, He is in Heaven at this very moment preparing a place for you whose streets are paved with gold.  And where He is, there you shall be also (John 14:2-3). Pray to Jesus that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
The color White represents your purity.  Your sins are forgiven.  “Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18	All of your sins can be forgiven through your faith in Jesus Christ and the shedding of His blood on the cross at Calvary.  The pencils depicted at the bottom of the picture are a reminder of how you can hold on to your faith. Find the black, red, green, gold and white tips, and recite their meanings. “Bind the  words on your fingers; write them on the tablets of your heart (Proverbs 7:3)”.  Pray to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you of your debts as you forgive those who have trespassed against you.

Scripture Lesson:  Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” Luke 18:16

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