What Is Best For Your Children?

Posted on: April 12th, 2015

Most parents want the best for their children and try to raise them right. They willing sacrifice time, energy, and money to give their kids the best chance for success. This is what God intended when He created the parent/child bond.

While I believe most parents want the best for their children, I am just not sure they know what is best. Various news programs and social commentators bemoan the problems of our youth. Their general lack of respect toward others causes us concern and alarm. Too many kids are in trouble at school or with the law. Even more children (some of our “good” children) grow up with a warped moral compass. If all of this is true, then much of the blame has to fall on parents’ shoulders. (1 Samuel 3:13)

Too many of our kids grow up without the base they need for a successful and godly life. Some politicians, business leaders and school officials want to do away with godly teaching. They want Bible morals out of government, schools, and most public places. If they do, by chance, accept a Bible principle, then by no means will they credit it to God. Many public schools try to force children to hear about “diverse” life-styles or they hand out birth control without parents’ consent. It seems we are at point where many public leaders want our children to be as vile as they can be. The more ungodly they live the better.

Most people do not fear God and keep His commandments. (Eccl. 12:13-14) If they have religion and do not believe the truth their religion is vain. (Matt. 15:8-9) People want others to accept their faith even when they mock and ridicule God’s teaching. When someone says “I am a Christian” and then defends sin, their claims do not mean much.

The common response to anyone daring to stand for truth is, “Who are you to judge”? “The God I serve is loving, gracious, and merciful. He would never condemn someone for…” (you fill in the blank). The Bible lists what God judges sinful. (Gal. 5:19-21) He has already condemned sin and the sinner who will not give up his sin. One may try to find a way around God’s list of sins, but He has settled the issue.

People can debate all they want to about the sins on this list. For example, I know it is popular for young couples to live together outside of marriage. Estimates suggest more than 65 percent of first time marriages start out this way. Many think little about a husband or wife cheating on each other. Others don’t care about homosexual behavior. I wonder how many of these believe they are Christians in good standing with God.

Do you want to know God’s view about sexual sin? Turn to the Bible; it is clear about these and many other actions we tend “overlook”. Consider some of the sinners whose sin will keep them from inheriting the kingdom of God. That’s right, included in a list of sins God condemns are the sexual sins mentioned earlier. Paul said “neither fornicators, nor idolater, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites…shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

Just as sinful as sexual offenses are, it is wrong to lie, gossip, or slander. (Col. 3:8-10) God has judged those who have fits of anger, who are jealous and envious, or who sow strife. (Gal. 5:20-21) These are just a few of the sins the Bible warns against. Any sin that rules us and we continue in is a sin that will cause us to lose our souls. (Rom. 6:16-18) Thank God that we can have forgiveness if we put away the sin. (James 1:21)

I know none of this is popular today, but we need to concern ourselves with pleasing God rather than men. (Gal. 1:10) Godly parents will teach their children to respect God’s Word more than man’s word. (Eph. 6:1-4) They will want their sons and daughters to stand on biblical faith. It means they will help their children rise above worldly pressure and to trust in God’s power and promises. All the yelling and ridicule by sinners will not deter Christians because they know godless people have always acted this way. Parents who fear God and want the best for their kids will do all they can to inspire these ideals in their children. Yes we should respect our leaders, but God comes first in everything. When others try to force our silence about sin or sinners we must stand and speak strong.

Thankfully, governments and schools do not have the task or right to raise our kids. God has given parents that job and we must not surrender that privilege to anyone. Dads and moms need to do a good job of teaching their children to love and follow God. They should live a life of faith themselves and be a light to guide their children. Parents should help their kids grow to a faith of their own based on God’s Word. Teach them how to study the Bible with respect and honesty. If we can help our children rise above the cares and thoughts of this world, then we have given them a great chance to be faithful.
Terry Starling