Don't assume.

"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him."

(1 Samuel 3:7)

The birth of Samuel was a gift from God to his previously-barren mom, Hannah. So as soon as he was weaned, Hannah gave him back to the LORD at Shiloh (true to her promise). Samuel grew up with the priest Eli - surrounded by the holy artifacts and the religious traditions of Judaism.

And yet... in 1 Samuel 3:7, we're told that the boy Samuel didn't yet "know the LORD." Seriously?!? Surely he knew about the LORD, he just hadn't had a personal experience yet. The author tells us "the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him." Wow. For a boy who grew up IN THE TEMPLE... that's a statement that should cause all of us to pause.

Just because we bring our kids and grandkids to church, that may not mean that they know the LORD. A good Sunday School, Children's Ministry, and Youth program is essential. But it's also our responsibility to help them listen for God's voice. We need to help our young people be able to discern God's presence and interaction in their lives (and in the world around us!).

That's part of the reason why I like Discipleship Huddles so much. They help us be able to hear "the voice of the LORD" in our life... as well as figure out how we've been "wired for ministry."

However you live out your disciples... don't simply assume that your kids pick it up vis osmosis (or close proximity). Help them. Teach them. Prepare them. Because GOD WILL SPEAK TO THEM! The only question is, will they be listening for it?!?!?