September 16, 2026
But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14
I came across a video this morning that I took of our youngest when he was just 4. We’d finally gotten his sparkler lit and his eyes were wide in excitement. Then he looked around and said, “What can I set on fire?” That’s where the video ends because I had to pause recording and have a fire safety talk. At the time, the talk was simple - the rule is: we set NOTHING on fire. End of safety brief. But that’s because he was just 4. Now he’s 6. And he’s in scouts. It’s not so simple any more.
Now that I’m not only his dad in the driveway, but his scout leader, and he’s older, more careful, and going out camping, the rules are changing because the context has changed. I don’t care less about my son or his safety. In fact, my concern for his safety, and everyone else’s, is the basis for my desire to teach him fire safety that includes when and how to set safe fires for campfires, cooking, lighting candles at home and in church. I’m teaching him rules about safety, supervision, and how to respond to unsafe fires and emergencies. I’m doing the same for lots of things. The previous rule was never to touch a knife. The new rules are about how to use one and how not to.
Believers have to face the same complexities for navigating most of life with their children who are growing into adults. When is it safe to use the microwave? The stove? A car? In what context can they talk to strangers? When does the age and maturity of our children necessitate changing a “no” or a “never” into a lesson in nuance, care, complexity, and context? Occasionally, I meet a young adult who was never given the opportunity or instruction to safely do something that would be helpful or necessary… pumping gas, cooking, doing laundry, driving, managing money, having a healthy romantic relationship. We would be foolish to reduce the Bible to the 10 commandments as our only guidelines, or even the 600+ laws in the Old Testament. Instead, we are given the life of Christ, the disciples, the prophets, the saints, and even all the cautionary tales of God’s people.
As we begin a new school year for children, and Sunday schools and small groups for adults, it’s worthwhile to ask how we are teaching our children and youth to navigate potentially dangerous topics, challenges, and skills, and how we were taught or what was missing from our own upbringing. How can we navigate life together as parents, educators, and lifelong learners who need to be discipled and mentor the next generation? What lessons require complexity, growth, and change, even when it requires thoughtfulness and no small amount of trust? What Sunday school or small group should we join to learn? How can we teach?
Prayer
Lord, help me to help the children entrusted to the care of our community and to keep learning and growing in the months ahead. Amen.
Rev. Brian Daoust
Associate Pastor for Mission & Youth
Login To Leave Comment