INSTRUCTING CHILDREN IN THE LORD (DEUT. 4:9-14, MATTHEW 5:13-16)
The Very. Rev. Michael Mukhwana
I salute you Saints in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I congratulate all those who celebrated the family day with the rest of us, I think we had great fun! This third sunday of September, we continue with our broader theme of Train up a Child, but will specifically consider: instructing children in the Lord.
Last Sunday, Bishop Hannington Mutebi in his message clearly illustrated to us how children are a heritage from the Lord. This being the case it is our noble duty as parents, to shape these little treasures as they grow up, so as to raise a generation that honours the Lord and exhibits integrity. In Deuteronomy 4:9, the author (who is Moses according to tradition) gives us great counsel on this matter when he writes, “ Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them…” This verse is a prime example of the dual emphasis in Deuteronomy to remember what God has said and done and to pass these things down to the following generations.
For a country that is said to have a very young population, our children will define the future, which makes them our most significant and enduring legacy. After all, God never told His followers to take over the world through force or intelligence. He simply told us to have children and then raise them to honor God in all they do. Therefore, you might logically conclude that bearing and raising children is not only our most enduring legacy but also one of our greatest personal responsibilities.
It is therefore my prayer that we shall receive today’s challenge from the pulpit with very open hearts, and that we shall with great honesty evaluate our own efforts in raising a Godly generation. After identifying and acknowledging our gaps, we will seek God’s counsel and purpose to raise our standard with regard to influencing our children for Kingdom purposes, that our children will indeed be the light and salt of the world as it were. May the Lord bless you.
The Very Rev. Canon Michael Mukhwana
PROVOST