Sometimes people at a baptism, when a child has given vent to prolonged and forceful crying, will remark: "That must be the `divil' being banished!" However, we know from experience that the evil spirit returns. In the news each day, we have reports of evil influences at work.
We have only to think of the ways children have been, and are, suffering in awful ways. In reading accounts of their plight, one may dread what may be told in the next paragraph, or be seen in photographs. One can feel helpless in facing such evil. At least they awaken us to the reality of the evil spirit tempting us "to harm and ill".
In St John's Epistle we have the warning: "If we are silly enough to refuse to admit that we are sinners, then we live in a world of illusion". At the same time, he reminds his readers that they need not despair. "If we freely admit that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable and straightforward. He forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil." Such words of hope can mean much to families . . . to anxious parents deeply aware of the evils and dangers that threaten life in these days.
It is true to say that we are living in a world of illusion or make believe if we think all that is necessary is to provide children, the coming generation, with means of growth physically and mentally, and neglect their spiritual growth. That is asking for trouble. The old saying that "The church is not a museum for saints, but a school for sinners" is a reminder of the importance of participation in the life of believers. Assent to the idea of public worship must be expressed if it is going to be an influence on the coming generation.
"The Family" is this week's theme. In view of the threats, dangers, undermining of family life, and the heavy responsibility in rearing children, it is well to remember the way of faith and love as practised in the discipline of believers. In a situation threatening that best way of life, there is a call to be on the alert.
St Peter, seeing a similar threat in his day, writes: "Be self controlled and vigilant always, for your enemy the devil is always about, prowling like a lion for its prey. Resist him, standing firm in your faith". Some may think that the danger of evil is over when a child is baptised. This is foolish. Prayer for parents is a matter of urgency for all the members of Christ's fellowship.
Most, if not all, keen participants in church life can recall someone who set them an example in their younger days. "I have two bits of news," said a friend. "One bit is bad; the other is good." The bad news is that evil is alive and busy . . . very busy. And the good news is that God's kingdom will have no end. It is calling urgently for more than lip service, but life service.
There is a healthy challenge in Samuel Johnson's words: "Example is always more efficacious than precept". Jesus said: "You must let little children come to me - never stop them".