Teaching our Kids about Sacrifice

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent.  Traditionally the 40+ days of Lent is seen as a time of fasting and sacrifice to ready our hearts for Easter.  As David has pointed out, fasting is not a magic bullet to get what we want from the Lord, but there is biblical evidence that something positive happens in our prayer lives when we incorporate fasting. 

Matthew 6:16-18 says “when you fast…”  This is not an “if” but a “when.”  It’s not a command, but certainly seems to be an assumption that we will practice this discipline.  In an effort to teach our children more and more about what it means to follow Jesus, we should also teach them about the disciplines of our faith. 

Sacrifice is not easy for any of us- including kids.  Sacrifice simply for the sake of sacrifice may illicit a sense of suffering, but will not necessarily produce fruit in our faith walk.  So, how do we teach our kids about sacrifice as it relates to fasting in a way that helps them move forward spiritually?

First- talk about why we fast.  Secondly, talk about how time with the Lord in prayer, in the Word, etc. will take the place of what we’ve given up.  Third, talk openly with your kids about your own fasting experience.  And lastly, encourage each other as a family.  As with anything, being “in it” together will only reap more benefit.

As a side note, I stressed a few things to the kids yesterday on this topic:
1. Kids giving up food for a fast is not a great idea.  They need food for fuel.  They can give up one type of food they crave (like sweets) but not the good stuff like vegetables, etc.
2. Giving up something you spend a lot of time doing/thinking about is an easy way to start the discipline of fasting.  (Playing video games, watching TV)
3. Use the time you would normally do that activity to spend time with the Lord (pray, read your Bible, listen and write in a journal)
4. If giving up a sweet, etc. – every time you ‘crave’ that thing, pray instead. 

The Lenten season is a special time in our faith.  As a church we will focus on Hunger- hunger for the Lord and hunger to see the lost come to know Jesus.  I’m praying that practicing the discipline of fasting will be a blessing to your family, and that you’ll see the Lord move in the hearts of your kids in amazing ways. 

Our small sacrifices are more than worth the benefits.  Good luck and bless you!

This Week’s Announcements:
Baby Dedication Orientation – Monday, February 23rd
If you have (or will have) a child aged 3months-2 years old between now and August, 2015, and would like to publically dedicate him/her to the Lord, this orientation is for you.  Parents wishing to participate in a baby dedication for their child at StoneBridge should attend one of our Baby Dedication Orientation sessions.  These sessions will be held twice a year.  February’s orientation is open to parents who wish to dedicate their baby before our next session in August.  Please sign up by emailing me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org  Childcare during the orientation will be provided with reservations.  Please reserve your spot by Thursday, February 19th.

What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons.  Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children.  Click on the links below to view February lessons.
This link is no longer available

Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
Although I don’t have a funny story this week, I certainly have some amazing ones about our kids.
I’ve heard story after story in the last few weeks about kids having dreams from the Lord, kids sharing testimonies about God talking to them, and kids asking ‘hard’ Spiritual questions.  (“How do I know God is talking to me- instead of it just being my thoughts?”  “If God loves everyone, does He love Satan too?”  “Does everyone go to heaven?”)
Let me encourage you as parents in this way… if your child asks a hard Spiritual question, don’t worry about whether or not they are ready for the answer.  If they are asking, then they are ready for the answers.  The Lord is stirring something in their hearts, and you don’t want to miss any opportunity to speak Truth into them. The Lord is doing something big in the hearts of our kids.  I’m praying for them and for you as their Spiritual leaders.