Jacob's Baptism

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Sunday was a special day. Our younger son Jacob committed himself to follow Jesus on Sunday. I had the great honor of baptizing him here in our baptistery in front the whole congregation Sunday morning. You can read Julie's perspective on her blogpost.

Jacob turned 11 on June 9. He has been talking about being baptized for a couple years now, as did his brother before him. Tender, young hearts are sometimes convicted by those Sunday school classes that say something like: "You won't go to heaven unless you have been baptized to wash away your sins." And for kids who are just learning feelings of guilt and shame, that can really hit home with them.

We discouraged both our boys from responding out of feelings of guilt or fear. I believe those are valid feelings and can be quite helpful for an adult whose life is truly headed down the wrong track. But they are not the best motivating factors for a child growing up in a Christian home. Responding solely out of fear sets the bar too low. There needs to be a sense of committing your life to Jesus. There needs to be a realization that Jesus calls us to follow him, and that this commitment is lifelong.

At what age can a person best make such a commitment? That's a tricky question. At what point does anyone fully understand what he/she is doing? I know that we encouraged our kids with the thought that they needn't fear "going to hell" at their age. They are not pagans. But as children move up toward the teen years, I think it is appropriate for their parents to engage their own kids in conversation about making a commitment to Jesus. As parents, you don't need to wait for them to bring it up!

Why? Because we don't want them to have to go through the barren desert of paganism before committing their lives to Jesus. Growing up in a family of faith is a HUGE advantage. Why on earth would we want our kids to "live a little" before making a commitment to Jesus? Too many kids go down "the dark path of the world" and never return! So the fact that our children grow up with faith is something to build upon. Sure, you shouldn't force your child if he/she refuses to make a commitment to Jesus. But I think most kids would if given the chance and if it's explained as the serious commitment that it is.

Having said all that, we can only nurture and teach our children for a season. Soon, they will have to face many battles. I'm just grateful for Jacob's heart, for his willingness to put on Jesus in baptism, and for the Holy Spirit that marks him with the hope of our eternal Father.

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