06/11/2026
“Is God optional?”
One of the greatest dangers facing this generation is that many have made the things of God optional.
We say we believe in God, but our priorities often tell a different story.
We’ll make sure our children get to ballgames, birthday parties, practices, vacations, and every other event on the calendar. But with church, prayer, worship, or the house of God, suddenly we’re too tired, too busy, or something else takes its place.
What message are we sending to the next generation?
Kids learn what matters most by watching what we consistently prioritize. If church is always moved aside for other activities, we’re teaching them that God comes after everything else.
Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
He also said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37).
The writer of Hebrews encouraged believers, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is” (Hebrews 10:25).
I’m thankful that salvation is by grace through faith, not by church attendance. But a heart that truly loves God will desire to worship Him, serve Him, and gather with His people.
The issue is not whether we have time for God. The issue is whether God truly has first place in our lives.
Let’s be careful not to teach our children that God gets what’s left over after everything else. Let them see us seek Him first, love Him most, and faithfully serve Him.
“Choose you this day whom ye will serve…” (Joshua 24:15).
What we prioritize, our children will normalize. If God is first, they’ll see it. If He’s optional, they’ll see that too.