Hard Decision

Recently it has come to our attention that our teenager is seemingly not paying much attention to material learned during meetings at church. We have been pondering the questions:

"Is the material not challenging enough for her?"
"Is the teacher not giving the material in a manner to keep her attention?"
"Is our child turning away from excitement about God's Word on her own?"

Our next step after pondering these questions was "What should we do?"

"Should we question the material?"

Answer: NO. The material is Biblical. The problem is not there.

"Should we question the manner the material is presented?"

Answer: NO. Teachers volunteer of their own time to teach our children. It takes a lot of time to prepare on their time to teach each lesson. This approach would not be edifying to the teacher and it would be very discouraging to the teacher. This approach would not be Biblical.

After eliminating the first two reasons, the conclusion is the problem is with our child. We came up with this answer:

She is a teenager, therefore she desires and needs to be with her friends at church, while at the same time we as parents have to make sure she is paying attention to the material taught. We have decided that she shall remain in Sunday School with her friends. But, during morning and evening service she shall sit with us in the congregation while taking notes. Occasionally an exception during evening service she may sit with her friends but not more than once a month. Wednesday evenings she shall be with us during Bible Study after her current class has finished the series they are currently in. But until that session ends she will have to be able to give details about the lesson afterwards.

Our decision, needless to say, is not real popular to our teenager at the current time. But, as we have explained to her, God has given us charge over her and it is our responsibility to make sure she knows God's Word. Also, we have to answer to God for any lack on our part to ensure her knowing God's Word. She understands and is not rebellious about it but still we know she is not happy about it. Obedience is a good thing.

Sometimes it is scary when we have to set guidelines for our teenagers. We fear they will rebell and turn totally from the way we are trying to lead them. But, if we pray for guidance, depend on God to control the situation and don't waver from what we know is right God will work it out.