Monday, May 26, 2008

From the mouth of babes....

Last night was baptism night at our church. I think most of you know how important baptism is in our churches. In most Baptist churches it allows for a believer (whether new or old) to identify with Christ and also usually is the "rite"(for lack of the word I am thinking of) of membership. Our church is not in a building that can have a baptistry, so we have to "borrow" other baptistries. Thankfully, we have a sister church here that has offered us theirs.
My kids are not old enough to be baptised much less fully comprehend the significance of repentance and the meaning of baptism. Here are a couple of things that my kids said last night during and after the baptismal service.
"Mom, do you want to go in that swimming pool? I do". We explained to them that it was not a swimming pool, but a baptistry and they need to repent of their sins before they will get to go in and that mommy and daddy have all ready dont that, and that we pray that one day they will be able to.
"Mom, they should be wearing their swimsuits." We had to let them know that it is not appropriate for this occasion.
One redeeming thing for them is they said while at the table later, "Pastor said that he baptizes them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
Dad: "Who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Kids: "God".
There may be some parents who think we are strict and there is now way that a 4 year old can get anything out of the message, so they should draw (even at age 10) and color or sleep during the service. This proves that kids do hear and may repeat what is being preached even though they may not yet understand.

2 comments:

Ann-Marie said...

Little pitchers have big ears! And the minds to understand. You're SO right...somedays I think we don't give kids enough credit!

Heidi said...

It bothers me to see 10 year olds drawing and coloring in church. As well as teenagers getting up to go to the bathroom.