The End of the World and Our Kids

Our sermons at church this month have been about prophecy and the possibility that the end times are near. In our small group, we often discuss how this will affect our children. The general feeling that comes through is fear. Fear that our kids will be living in particularly difficult times in the world. Fear that they won't have a chance to grow in their faith before they're faced with some serious spiritual decisions. And fear that we're not going to get as much time with them as we would like.

The majority of the folks in our small group seem to feel this way. I, on the other hand, am generally excited. I think it would be amazing if Christ returned in our life time. No doubt there are a lot of scary things that come with the world's end, but it's also, like, the biggest thing that will ever happen in the history of the world! Don't we want to be there for it??

I don't feel fear for my daughter. Maybe I should. Maybe I take it all too lightly. Yes, I'm concerned that she grows up knowing the Lord, in the church, learning what's right. Yes, I will definitely pray that she will grow in her faith. But right now, I'd rather focus on trying to teach her about God instead of worrying about what her life might entail as she grows--whether the end of the world comes or not.

I think it would be a great privilege for all of us if we are present for Christ's second coming. Christians have been waiting for that moment for thousands of years. It may come with some suffering, but the good far outweighs the bad.

My biggest concern for my daughter is that she knows the Lord and stays strong in her faith. I can't fill my mind with worries about the end of the world--or any other trials she'll encounter. My job right now is to build a strong foundation for her. Whether or not the world does end in her lifetime, there's no doubt she will come up against opposition. Her faith will be challenged and my job is to prepare her.

Most of all, I don't want her to be afraid. I do want to teach her about the end of the world. I want her to understand what the Bible says about it and that it could happen in her lifetime. I want her to look forward to it--be prepared for it--and understand why she needs to be strong in her faith. She doesn't need to know every gory detail right now, but she does need to know that it may come with some hardships. Hardships that will be completely forgotten when we are finally united with Christ!