In an period when many are selecting to not have kids, believers stand out as those that select to meet the creation mandate to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). When many see kids as costly inconveniences, we regard our kids to be a blessing from God (Ps. 127). We’ve got excessive hopes for our kids. Even earlier than we had been married, Caroline and I eagerly anticipated the blessing of elevating offspring who would serve the Lord.
Our first mom, Eve, had comparable excessive hopes for her kids. When her first son was born, she declared, “I’ve gotten a manchild with the assistance of the LORD” (Gen. 4:1), in all probability with the hope that Cain would fulfill the promise that her offspring (seed) would crush the offspring of the serpent (Gen. 3:15).
However Eve discovered that parenting will be exhausting. She skilled heartache when Abel was murdered by his brother Cain, who then was estranged from the remainder of the household. But Eve endured as she continued to bear and lift kids with the hope that they’d name upon the Identify of the Lord (Gen. 4:25-26).
1. Parenting Is Religious Warfare
Whereas all of us acknowledge the non secular warfare that takes place in Genesis 3 when the serpent tempts and deceives the girl, the satan is equally lively in Genesis 4. Eve and Adam faithfully taught their sons to worship the LORD as is evidenced by the choices of Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:3-5). When the Lord didn’t regard him and his providing, Cain turned indignant. Devil, who’s a liar and a assassin (John 8:44), was tempting Cain to vent his anger by killing his brother.
Devil continues to assault households at the moment. Simply as he tempted Eve with lethal lies (Gen. 3:4-5), he entices our kids to imagine non secular lies (Col. 2:8-10) and the falsehood that sinful indulgence will be satisfying and liberating (Prov. 7:21-23). In actuality, such sins are enslaving. “Promising them freedom whereas they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a person is overcome, by this he’s enslaved” (2 Pet. 2:19). He tempts younger grownup kids guilty all of their issues on their (“poisonous”) dad and mom and generally to hate or shun (cancel) them. Religious warfare divides households (Luke 12:51-53).
Devil additionally assaults dad and mom. He’s the accuser (Rev. 12:10) who tempts moms and dads to imagine that they’re guilty for his or her kids’s sinful decisions. He tempts dad and mom to turn out to be indignant at God when the youngsters whom they faithfully sought to boost insurgent. And he tempts dad and mom to surrender all hope.
Dad and mom want to acknowledge that they’re engaged in non secular warfare (Eph. 6:10-12), and they should placed on the complete armor of God in order that they’ll stand agency and endure (Eph. 6:13-18). Our hope is that Jesus has come to destroy the satan and his works (1 John 3:8). He allows us to withstand the satan (1 Pet. 5:8-11) by not giving up or giving in to despair.
2. You Can’t Save Your Youngsters
Many dad and mom falsely imagine that in the event that they observe the proper parenting components, their kids will prove nicely and that if their kids, like Cain, fall away, then it’s their fault. Whereas Scripture teaches that we’re to be trustworthy dad and mom who self-discipline and instruct our kids with out unnecessarily scary them to anger (Eph. 6:4), outcomes should not assured. Dad and mom are an necessary affect on their kids (Prov. 1:8), however they aren’t the one affect. Scripture warns that our kids will expertise different influences from the world, the flesh, and the satan. Within the e-book of Proverbs, the voice of Woman Knowledge cries out to the naïve younger particular person, however Madame Folly additionally makes her attraction (Prov. 9:1-6, 13-18). As our kids strategy maturity, they are going to make decisions that oldsters can not management.
Each Cain and Abel had been beneath the identical parental affect, but they turned out very in another way due to the alternatives they made—and you may’t blame unhealthy neighbors or social media for Cain’s fall. The LORD Himself warned (endorsed) Cain about his murderous anger (Gen. 4:6-7), however Cain refused to hear. Scripture comprises many examples of trustworthy dad and mom whose kids turned to folly (Ezek. 18:5-13). The LORD Himself complains in regards to the waywardness of His son, Israel. “Hear, O heavens, and listen to, O earth; For the LORD speaks, ‘Sons I’ve reared and introduced up, However they’ve rebelled towards Me’” (Isa. 1:2). Even when we had been excellent dad and mom (and we aren’t!), our kids would flip away, aside from the grace of God (John 6:44).
3. Endure in Hope
Even after Eve suffered heartbreak and horrible loss, she continued to bear and lift kids as she continued to hope for the success of God’s promise. In time she noticed fruit as a few of her offspring “started to name upon the identify of the LORD” (Gen. 4:26b).
Equally, many dad and mom at the moment have been dropped at grief. Some have seen kids who professed religion at a younger age flip away once they attain maturity. Some have seen their kids wrestle with habit, immorality, and gender confusion. Some have misplaced their kids to untimely demise. And plenty of are estranged from grownup kids.
But the creator to the Hebrews reminds us to endure: “Allow us to additionally lay apart each encumbrance and the sin which so simply entangles us, and allow us to run with endurance the race that’s set earlier than us” (Heb. 12:1). When a toddler rebels, we could also be tempted to lose coronary heart and neglect them and their siblings. Or, because the months and years go by with out proof of any non secular progress, we could also be tempted to cease praying or cut back our efforts to keep up a superb relationship with a wayward little one.
But, as long as there’s life, there’s hope. The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is beloved as a result of so many dad and mom yearn for the return of their prodigals. God is ready to save your kids. Whenever you really feel like giving up, God is in a position that can assist you to endure in love. And God affords consolation to these whose hearts are damaged due to wayward members of the family. Psalm 27 applies to little kids in addition to fathers and moms. “For my father and my mom have forsaken me, However the LORD will take me up” (Ps. 27:10). “I’d have despaired until I had believed that I’d see the goodness of the LORD within the land of the dwelling. Look ahead to the LORD; Be robust and let your coronary heart take braveness; Sure, look forward to the LORD” (Psalm. 27:13-14).
Questions for Reflection
- How have you ever skilled non secular warfare in your parenting?
- What would you say to consolation dad and mom who’re experiencing guilt as a result of their kids should not strolling with the Lord?
Editor’s Word: “Three Reminders for Dad and mom of Wayward Youngsters” by Jim Newheiser was first printed on August 15, 2024, by IBCD and is reposted with permission. The unique article will be considered right here.
