Proverbs 22:6…
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Though I often miss the obvious in situations, there are times when things happen around me, (I suppose for all of us), which move me in such an inspiring manner that every information sensor within me is activated… my soul is stirred without any pre-expectation on my part; just a pure sense of appreciation as I treasure the moment and thank God for the experience. God seems to have given me a particular tenderness for children who, without any inhibitions, express their praise to God openly and with great intensity and exuberance.

Though there are several children in our congregation that do so, I want to address one particular family today who have blessed me regularly and cause me to look forward to learning from them about my own worship and what could be, if I just allowed myself to worship God as they do. I am speaking about Korin, Eli, and Sammy Mayer; children of Justin and Jessika Mayer.

Many in our congregation have known both Justin and Jessika since their youth, and know something about the journey they have traveled in their own lives. Like most of us, I am sure that Justin and Jessika knew that they loved each other deeply and wanted their marriage to be the best possible marriage from the start. We all watched as they followed God’s leading in their life together, trusting that He would guide their path; that they would prosper as God had planned for them. We also know that when children come along, they do not come with an Owner’s Manual. Oh, that they did…

Justin and Jessika have depended on Biblical wisdom in training their children, rather than the current philosophies and practices of this world. We should all learn from their parenting style.

1. Notice that the Mayer children honor authority…I have never seen any of them greet anyone at church or outside the church without showing deep respect to them, whether a Pastor, a Teacher, an adult within the congregation, or even their peers.
2. The Mayer Children follow instruction…whether the instruction comes from the pulpit or from their parents, they always demonstrate a willingness to follow the instructions given them; as evidenced in their openness to worship and their decorum in the Worship Service.
3. The Mayer Children are not subject to rebellion, stubbornness, or disobedience…One never sees any of these children enter our house of worship with a grumpy or rebellious look or attitude. Instead, they always greet others with a special glow of delight in seeing people whom they are genuinely eager to greet with the love of Jesus which resides within them.

Good Job, Justin and Jessika!

I find it very interesting that the 22nd chapter of Proverbs starts out by stating: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Korin, Eli, and Sammy Mayer have, even at their young ages, already begun to establish “good names” for themselves, based on sound principles of Christian living demonstrated and taught by their parents. Too many of us are so distracted by the stressors of this world that we fail to focus on establishing “good names” for ourselves, based on Christian Values. Instead, we focus on getting ahead, or, in some cases just getting by, financially, so that the world will not think poorly of us. We do not consider the Biblical basis for our practiced behavior; only that which the world suggests is important.

The reality is this…at the end of the day, it will not be how much silver or gold we possess that will have value, it will be how much our being reflects God. I see God reflected in the lives of Korin, Eli, and Sammy Mayer and that brings me great joy. Actually, it nearly brings me to tears of happiness, as I am just that happy to see them and genuinely excited to be greeted by them in such a life-giving manner.

You can always find these True Worshipers of God on Sunday mornings about half-way up the north side of the auditorium. If you have not been greeted by them, make the extra effort to go over and introduce yourself to them, I know that you will be blessed, just as I am blessed every time I come into contact with them. The love of Jesus radiates through their eyes and you will go away with delight in your heart. Churches across this land would be full today, if we could all learn what these young ones seem to do naturally. Mark 10:15 says: “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Now don’t misinterpret my words…I know that kids will be kids. Even Justin and Jessika would probably tell us that there are times when their children behave in ways they are not so proud of. However, I am recognizing the power and blessing of God building a strong and sure foundation in the lives of these young people and invite you to celebrate that reality with me.

Shoulder to shoulder,
Pastor Larry