To the Editor:

I want to commend Jena Passut for the article titled “Finding faith” on the Opinion page of last Friday’s paper. It is obvious to me that she has much talent and ability when it comes to writing. The first line drew my attention and the story described an image most parents know well: the wide eyes of a child that seem to disarm and pierce our own souls, causing us to question our own motives, attitudes and actions.

I can just see in my mind’s eye the youngster coming in and waking mommy up way too early with this wisdom well beyond his years. It is a very compelling and thought-provoking image. This is great stuff.

As believing parents, it is very important to be consistent with our children in teaching them by word and example. The young man has every right to question whether God is real when he has heard so many falsehoods about another person who has been depicted as a god-like figure.

“He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.”

It really gets one to thinking about the dangers of teaching children all this stuff. I never felt comfortable teaching my kids that there was a Santa Claus, flying reindeer, or elves. I wanted them to know about a real God who is the Creator and sustainer of this universe.

I wanted them to know the reality of His Son, Jesus Christ, whom God sent to be the ransom for their sins.

I would also like to say that looking for a church should not just be about the preacher, choir or programs. In fact, it shouldn’t be about our comfort or entertainment at all.

The questions should be:

Does this body of believers believe and practice the Bible as God’s holy Word?

Do the people love each other and want to follow and please the Lord Jesus Christ?

Are these people compassionate toward the needs of others?

The truth is that salvation is not about programs, ceremonies or feeling good about one’s self.

It is all about a person and our relationship with Him. Jesus prayed in the book of John: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

Thanks for sharing that experience with us, and I hope you find what you’re looking for.

Tim Parrish

Franklin