Today is Holy Thursday, sometimes referred to Maundy Thursday. We remember the upper room where Jesus met with his disciples for his last supper before he was arrested in the night. Our church choir usually gives a concert on this evening. The music and readings tell the story of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion. The concert ends at that point and we ponder the meaning of the cross over the next three days until we celebrate the resurrection on Sunday.

This is a time to reflect on the grievousness of sin and the price Christ paid for our forgiveness. How do we get these concepts across to our children?

When I was a child, I was a “good girl” in my own eyes. Even in high school and college, I didn’t fully understand about sin. There was this standard list of evil things and I wasn’t guilty of them. I felt justified in all my behavior. I share this self-reflection to emphasize the importance of helping our children recognize their own sins.

Perhaps this is belaboring the obvious to some, but let’s consider a list of sins common to children.

• Selfishness
• Greed
• Lying – or exaggerating or leaving out important details to deceive.
• Taking things that belong to others
• Gossip – or unnecessary tattling
• Disobedience
• Neglecting to do what is expected of us – chores or studying, etc.
• Dishonoring God

On second thought, this list seems appropriate to adults too, doesn’t it?

What are some ways we might help raise our children’s self-awareness of their sins? I’m not advocating the practice of pouring on guilt, as that is another extreme in itself. Let’s think about how we discipline our children. Do they see us as getting even with them for what they did to us, or are we showing them the bigger picture by discussing with them how what they did caused harm in some way, and how the sin displeases God? Do our children feel they’ve paid the price through their punishment, so now they are all OK again? I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but I believe this is a subject that needs our careful attention.

The next three days are set aside in the Christian calendar for us to reflect on the seriousness of our sins, and the horrible price Christ willingly paid so we could be forgiven. Take this opportunity to discuss the crucifixion with your children. Consider carefully their age and temperament so as to not overwhelm them, and share as much as you believe they can handle. Help them to understand the importance of acknowledging our sinful nature and the awful price Jesus paid so we could be forgiven.

by Janice D Green