Back to School - An Encouragement to All Parents
A MESSAGE FROM RT. REVEREND KEITH LAI
President, National Council of Churches of Singapore
(Through the Christian Preschool Alliance)
Dear fellow Parents in Singapore,
It is the turn of the year again, and 2020 certainly has been a year like no other. We have endured much dislocation and discomfort, and yet there is so much to be thankful to God for here in Singapore. We have been spared the worst of this pandemic and we have recovered much of the normalcy that was lost in the darkest days of this crisis. His grace continues to cover us.
As we look towards the new year, & the start of school again, before we are caught up in the current of timetables & enrichment classes; activities; meetings; & events; it might be a good time to remind ourselves of this wonderfully familiar & beloved Bible verse which many of us might have committed to memory (and if we have not, perhaps, we should!):
“And Jesus grew in wisdom & stature, & in favour with God & man.”
Luke 2:52 (NIV)
And it is good to note that this simple, precious verse is not just a “place-holder”; not just a “filler” as the writer, Dr Luke, segues from stories about Jesus’ childhood into stories about His manhood. Every verse in the Bible has its place & purpose, & this particular verse emphasizes to us that Christ experienced the most perfect & wholesome growth & development from young child into perfect man. And it gives us, as parents & teachers, a model & guide to how we too, should raise our children in the Lord. As we brace ourselves for the new year & every new year, to run with our children in their journeys, consider this:
… Jesus grew in WISDOM:
Not just knowledge but wisdom. Are they different? Yes, they are. Knowledge is about knowing information & facts. Wisdom is about knowing what to do with them. As we ferry our children from school, to enrichment classes, to tuition, & back again; be mindful in the midst of all the movement. Jesus not only knew many things; He grew in wisdom. Pray for your children. And teach them to be wise. To use the knowledge they gather each day, to make good decisions, for the good of others, to make the things around them better.
… Jesus grew in STATURE:
That means physically! And it is not just about music lessons, badminton or tennis lessons, CCAs, PE or gym classes, or physical training three times a week. It means eating right, sleeping right, growing strong & healthy. Time for study, rest & play. Pray for your children – that they will enjoy their childhood as they explore the world & themselves when they were only that height – they will never be that height & that size again. Help them as they discover their strength, talents & abilities. Teach them to exercise them for His glory.
… Jesus grew in FAVOUR WITH GOD:
When we set goals (targets, expectations, even dreams) for our children, they seldom include spiritual goals. And yet, as a young child Jesus grew in favour with God. For our children, that first step is to know Jesus. So, pray for the salvation of your child. And make it a point, to pray for the privilege & blessing of being the one to lead your child to Christ. There can be no greater honour for a parent. Then pray for their spiritual growth & development, & be so bold as to ask God to give you a major part in that journey, as you walk with your child.
… Jesus grew in FAVOUR WITH MAN:
Character & integrity are what Christian schools & preschools specialize in, so it will help a great deal if your child already attends a mission school or preschool (if they are not already enrolled in one, seriously consider putting them in one). Again, there is no T-score, SA, CA, or class assessment for the fruit of the Spirit, so it very much depends on you to keep virtue & goodness in your mind when you pray for them. Pray that they will not just grow up to be good people but that they will be good little people right now, showing kindness, grace & compassion to their friends & classmates. And model these values for them to emulate.
Each year, at this time, we get an opportunity to review & resolve to do better. This year, as you make your “new year resolutions”, spend a little time thinking & praying for your children. What do you want them to be when they grow up & as they grow up? I hope it is to be just like Jesus! Then set some good goals for them in 2021. And ask the Lord to help you achieve them with your child. God bless you in your amazing journey.
RT. REVEREND KEITH LAI
President, National Council of Churches of Singapore
(Through the Christian Preschool Alliance)