I was saddened as I read God's lament about the children of Israel in Jeremiah 7:23-28. He said: "They hearkened not unto Me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck . . . This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished and is cut off from their mouth."
Why were they so disobedient? Where did this trait begin? Did it begin in their homes? It is a fact that obedient children will usually be obedient to God. Disobedient children will be disobedient to God.
This is why God is so emphatic about training our children to obey. It is not only for their benefit; they will live a happier life and ultimately a longer life. It is not only for our benefit; we will also live happier and more restful lives. But it is for God. He wants children who will obey Him. We train our children to obey us so obedience becomes a habit of their lives and they will be ready to obey God when they hear His voice speaking to them.
I have always been challenged by the words from Surveying the Evidence, where the authors state: “If atheism is not normal, why do certain people become unbelievers? First of all, it is well known that the seeds of atheism can be planted early in life. One of the most dangerous contributions a parent can make toward the spiritual delinquency of his child is a failure to instill within him a wholesome respect for authority. If the parent neglects to set the proper example as an authority figure, or refuses to exercise discipline with love, he might well be rejected as an authority-figure by his child, and thus, by transference, the child ultimately may come to disdain all authority, including the Supreme Authority, God.”
The greatest aim of parenting is preparing our children to have the right attitude to God—to love Him with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength; but also to fear Him, honor Him, and obey Him. If they do not have the right attitude to their parents, they won't know how to relate to God.
May God help us to raise our children for Him!
Blessings from Nancy Campbell