PREACHER’S CORNER
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN? By Bishop Sherman L. Merritt, D.D.
J
esus spent a lot of time with his disciples trying to make them understand their assignment and responsibilities to him. In current times, it seems to be that so many people have been so caught up with themselves that they have forgotten their responsibility of producing sons and daughters of God that will take their place in life. Unfortunately, we are losing a generation of potentially gifted young people because we have failed to invest in them or teach them their responsibilities in the work of the Lord or train them to serve. In fact, we owe them an apology because we have given them a false sense of what Christianity is truly supposed to be and have consequently made it difficult for them to understand what is right. Somehow, we have repeated the same things down through the history of time. We do not seem to be learning from our mistakes and experiences but are instead repeating them over and over again. We have parents who have been unable to see the abilities possessed by their own children. They continue to treat them like little babies but have to realize that they are grown now and have children of their own—Yet are
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THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
still being treated the same. The church has the same mindset when it comes to cultural development. In the eyes of many, young people never seem to be capable of doing anything in the form of leadership even though they have a love for the Lord as they should. It is very disturbing that these same kids were not given a chance to perform their God-given desires in the church. They were never seen for who they truly are. Now, they have experienced college, graduated with degrees and honors, and begun successful careers. Some have become teachers in schools, but they will not teach in the church . They do not even want to attend church. Over time, they have lost their desire for the church. They have lost all interest and motivation in the church. Their potential has been crushed because the church was not willing to involve them or invest in them in any meaningful way. Look around and ask yourself, “Where are the children?” They are not in conventions. There used to be thousands of young people in attendance, but now if you look around, it seems like the convention has been reduced
“POSITIONED FOR PROMISE”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
