When God Opens a Window – Go Through It
I know what you’re thinking. “Pastor Bob, it’s, ‘When God opens a door, go through it.’” That is the normal way we talk about opportunities the Lord gives us to serve him, but I wanted to share with you about a window that is wide open. It’s called the “4-14 Window”. This is an amazing opportunity God has opened for us to reach those who are ripe for the Gospel. When a person is within the ages of 4 to 14 it’s the most fruitful time for spiritual decisions. The percentages of people coming to Christ later in life are drastically lower than those who receive Him in their youth.
Researcher George Barna has found that most people form their worldview by the age of 13 and that within the current generation of teenagers only one in ten approach life from a biblical perspective. Think of what the next generation of leaders, parents, even church attenders will look like if only 10 percent of the population approaches life with the Bible as their guide. Look at this comparison of those who accept a biblical worldview versus those who do not:
|
Issue |
Biblical Worldview |
Non-Biblical Worldview |
Difference |
|
Accepting of Cohabitation |
2% |
62% |
31 times less likely |
|
Endorses Drunkenness |
2% |
36% |
18 times less likely |
|
Condoning Homosexuality |
2% |
31% |
15 times less likely |
|
Accepting of Profanity |
3% |
37% |
12 times less likely |
|
Believes Adultery is Morally Acceptable |
4% |
44% |
11 times less likely |
In addition, less than one-half of one percent of those with a biblical worldview said voluntary exposure to pornography was morally acceptable (compared to 39% of other adults) and a similarly small proportion endorsed abortion (compared to 49% of adults who lacked a biblical worldview).
Into this window God sends us, His disciples at Hope Wesleyan Church, to make reaching those most receptive children now. Because of their receptiveness now we must not merely make Children’s ministry permissible we must make it a priority. Schedules must be adjusted. Methods must be changed. Resources must be invested. Now- while the window is open! - A Biblical Worldview Has a Radical Effect on a Person’s Life. George Barna, 2003
This is why the Awana program is being implemented at Hope Wesleyan Church. We not called to raise “good” kids; we are called to raise godly ones. Instead of passive workers, we need active disciple-makers.
So before I get too “preachy” (some may think it’s too late for that) let me simply ask you, “What role will you play in reaching our children for Christ?” Will you be a prayer partner? Will you help a child learn Bible verses? Will you lead a game? Will you share a devotional? Will you bring your neighborhood children? Will you go through the window God is opening for you?
In light of eternity, I have to ask, “If not, why not?”
