Providence Extension Program’s (PEP) Core seeks to replicate the focus of the youthful Christ: to send forth a Kingdom-seeking, Bible-reasoning, Liberty-advancing generation.
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us?” … And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. (Matthew 1:42-50)
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (I Cor. 13:11)
Work is a gift. Working hard is a joy. Part of the curse of Adam ensured that we would toil excessively and the earth would resist our efforts to subdue it, be it cultivating crops, minds, or kids. But don’t confuse the gift with the curse. Enjoying the fruit of our labor brings great joy.
Is PEP hard work? Yes, by design. But it is good and interesting work. To cultivate the mind takes some effort. Our very own flesh, preferring idleness, fights against our desire to accomplish great things.
We are raising our children to maturity and for a purpose. Successful adults don’t shy away from work. When Jesus was 12 years old, He put away the toys and started sharpening His mind and soul for His future station in life. He became a rabbi, a healer, a thought leader, and a sacrificial lamb on our behalf. He proclaimed and set in motion the liberty we enjoy today by establishing His Kingdom. He started training for these roles when He was 12 years old, saving leisure for the Sabbath days and focusing His mind on learning from wise mature rabbis. Our children are capable of doing this, but, unlike Jesus, they need us to continually remind them of the task at hand and the future benefits, and to teach them to enjoy hard work rather than complain. We and our children are called to advance Christ’s Kingdom of liberty and service until He returns.
Remind your PEP disciples of the enormity of the task the King has placed on us, and encourage them to enjoy preparing for the day when they are released into society to bring His healing power to His creation. Being a royal priesthood (ruling and connecting others to God) is an immense privilege!
Prepare your mind for action!
Registration begins April 8, 2020 (space limited). www.pep1.org