DO YOUR KIDS A FAVOR - OBEY.

I'm stating the obvious when I say.."Kids affect a marriage."  The Bible tells us that "Children are a blessing from the Lord; they are a reward from him."  (Psalm 127:3)  Every parent, at one time or another, has wanted to return the gift. At least for a few hours... or a day or two. It isn't easy to be a parent.  Nobody ever said it would be.  Society changes - BUT - God does not.  Society does not tolerate a strict moral code anymore.  And while it's true that there are parents who abuse their authority over children... that doesn't mean that parents don't have God given authority over their children.  God.. expects.... children... to... OBEY THEIR PARENTS.  And God wants parents who understand that God expects them to expect their children to OBEY.

This is where I see the breakdown in family life.  It's disobedient Christian parents.  It's parents who don't obey God by requiring their children to obey them.  Parents who tell Johnny, "Take your school books off the kitchen table and bring them to your room" and then do NOTHING when Johnny ignores them and keeps playing his video game.  Parents who don't want Susie to go to the mall with her friends but relent because Susie makes such a huge fuss when they say "No."  It's easier to let kids ignore the rules.  But it isn't BETTER. 

God is expecting parents to expect their children's obedience.  God is expecting obedient parents... who insist on obedient kids. It takes a real commitment to God to be committed to this.  Who has the energy to consistently require obedience? 

You do.  Because God says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Are you being an obedient parent?
Do you talk with your children about God and His ways?  That's one of the foundational instructions God gives to parents -  "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.  And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)  The Old Testament idea that GOD should be the CENTER of the family - loving Him, discussing Him, understanding HIS standards.... has not been cancelled by Calvary.  No, rather now, we have the power of the HOLY SPIRIT TO love God more, follow Him with joy.

Are you obeying God by being diligent to speak to your children about Him?

I have found one thing to be evident as I have dealt with families over these many decades:  You can tell a couple almost anything except that their children need discipline.

Do your kids a favor. OBEY. I find too many Christian parents who have abdicated their God given responsibility to the Children's program.. or the Youth Ministry at church.

When the day comes that you have to give an account for the way you raised your kids.. you are not going to get away with telling God that the Youth Ministry at church wasn't good.. or that the Children's Pastor was inadequate.  God has required that PARENTS teach their kids about HIM... and IF.. you are blessed to have a church that reinforces what YOU are teaching.. then you are doubly blessed.

And IF you realize that you aren't being an obedient parent... remember that with YOUR Heavenly Father there is MERCY... the moment you ask for it.  Don't despair... say a prayer. and God will come to your aid.   The only thing worse than making a mistake yesterday is thinking that you cannot fix it today.

Let me know what you think.

Mrs. Older
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