Subject: Babies and young children a distraction? |
Bible Note: Dear Nolan, This issue is definitely not silly or trivial. And it will probably not be solved by rules, policy, or organization. Order in the house of God is a spiritual matter, that has physical implications, not the other way around. The family you are talking about that wants to be together in the presence of God has wonderful motives. But, good motives without appropriate action is simply hypocrisy. My experience has shown me that children that are unruly in church are unruly all the time. Also, a child's attitude toward church is almost always a direct reflection of the parent's teaching (or lack of it). If a child does not respect the sanctuary, it is probably because the parents do not, though they may be better at hiding it. I think that the Bible states pretty clearly that the parents are responsible for their children. Except in the case of severe mental handicap, all children are trainable. Even 'hyperactive' children do respond to parental love, care AND discipline. I say this from experience, not theory or conjecture. If I have numerous excuses from parents and doctors that tell me why a child is not capable of receiving instruction, but the Bible tells me that all children CAN receive instruction and all parents MUST instruct, then I will choose the Bible, every time. If more people would believe and obey the Word of God, there would be more order in church, without segregation, rules, and chronic annoyances and disruptions. In Christ Jesus, charis |