KEEPING OUR CHILDREN CHRISTIAN (PART 2)

In part 1 of the article, we discussed time management matters, let us look deeper for part 2.

Social issues

With social media and lack of parental supervision, our children are exposed to issues such as:

• Cyberbullying

• Pop culture and its effects

• Gangs and bad company

• Premarital sex, abortion and suicidal thoughts

• Lack of control over spending/finances

• Vaping/smoking/drugs

Do we teach our children to ‘flee from all appearances of evil’ (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Or ‘Do not be deceived (misled), bad company corrupts good character, stop sinning for there are some who are ignorant…Awake to righteousness….’ (1 Corinthians 15:33-34). Are the things from the Holy Scriptures taught to them early? If not, why not? 

A 2023 article on the American Psychological Association (APA) website suggested that parents not only  monitor social media use, but talk to the teens weekly. Three steps. First, communicate with your child. Second, discuss behaviour in general, not just online. Last, look out for behaviour changes.

Bible Examples

Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 2:12)

Though Eli was a good man, a priest and judge, his sons turned out to be evil. God was excessively displeased and the sons were eventually killed. Eli failed as a father, he did not want to offend his sons. The result was that he committed a far greater sin, he offended God.

How many times have parents not insisted on the children going to church and decided not to offend them? The child is yours to shape and discipline in the Lord. Excuses such as ‘I can’t force him to attend, he does not have friends there, he prefers to study, he does not enjoy the time in church etc.’ So, we become like Eli. We are known to be good and faithful, but it’s ok if we leave the child at home.

Proverbs 13:24

“He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”

Note the importance of discipline in the home. Does not the Bible say ‘children obey your parents’ (Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 6:1-2, Deuteronomy 5:16)? Are we going to permit them to disobey us and by extension, God’s commandments? The importance of timely discipline (Proverbs 13:24) cannot be understated. In Australia (and I suspect in the western world in general), the churches, even churches of Christ are marked by the absence of youth attending services. These churches are effectively ‘old folks’ homes. The parents did not insist on their children and teenagers attending church with them, gave them the freedom of choice early, ‘don’t block the sunlight’. Eventually, these churches will cease to exist.

Lois and Eunice – Timothy

2 Timothy 3:14-15

Paul says “But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

If there ever is a verse that informs us of the necessity of teaching our children from a young age, it will be 2 Timothy 3:14-15. Paul’s words to Timothy are the inspired Word of God. Earlier in 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul affirms the role played by Lois (grandmother) and Eunice (mother) in his early life that influenced Timothy to be an evangelist. In Acts 16:1, we note that Eunice is a Jewish woman, Timothy’s father (unnamed) was a Greek who was also ‘well-spoken of’. Here is also a case that the influence of a mother/grandmother can have over a son.

Example of David’s Parenting

King David was a good man, war hero, sincere to God. He served God acceptably and did not indulge in idolatry that distinguished him from his successors. He had some serious flaws, though. We find him at best, an absent parent from his children’s lives. He indulged at times, the sinful behaviour of his sons. David mishandled his relationships with his wives and was a poor father figure. The implications were that he was mostly absent from their lives and did not groom them in the Lord.

We want them to go to heaven, but leave the spiritual health of our children to them. Is this right and pleasing to God? Do we wish for our children to be extremely successful in their careers but lose their soul? Or do we hope for a well-balanced child who loves God and permits God to bless them in their paths and in their careers?

Why God chose Abraham?

Genesis 18:19 – “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice,…”

God affirmed that Abraham by and large fulfilled what he was chosen to do and that he was successful as a father. Knowing this about Abraham, God chose this blood line to bring our Lord Jesus into the world and through this family, the plan of salvation. 

Test

Let me provide the reader a 5-question test for you to test your primary/secondary school student child (or even higher).

• Q1: Name 7 of the apostles out of 12 plus Paul 13.

• Q2: Why did Joshua and the Israelites fail to capture the city of Ai in the first attempt?

• Q3: Name 5 prophets from the OT and 3 from the NT.

• Q4: What was the situation the apostle Paul found at Athens?

• Q5: Which city did God ask Joshua to go to and why?

(Oral question, oral answers; not checking the Bible or their handphone.)

The test results are not a barometer of spirituality, but at least those who read the Bible and attend church will have no problems answering.

Conclusion

Are we ‘idol worshipping’ our children at the expense of their spiritual life and growth? Have we put the child before God through our behavior or lack of discipline? Can we as parents stand before the judgement seat and bravely assert that we have trained up our children in the way of the Lord, and our children are in the church, faithful? God will hold us responsible for the child, at least up for the time he is within our house. We command him or her under our roof under the authority given by the Almighty.

Summary

• Raising the child in the Lord is the responsibility of both parents (in dual parent homes).

• For as long as the child remains in the household, the child must obey the parent on faith building, education and attending church.

• Discipline the child; that is a commandment from God.

• Place priority on spiritual growth of the child, not concentrating efforts on secular education.

• As parents, set a good example for the child.

• Tell them the dangers of social media from young and monitor their behaviour.

Ask Yourself:

1. Name 3 dangers the child faces in the modern era.

2. Name two fathers in the Old Testament who failed in their duties.

3. Do we have a responsibility for the spiritual health of the child whilst they are under our roof?

Suggested Answers:

1. Cyber Bullying, pre-marital sex, suicidal thoughts, pressure.

2. David and Eli.

3. Yes God expects this, this is a solemn role of parents.