A Godly Home Guarantees Godly Kids?
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.”
(Proverbs 22:6, NASB20) – Proverbs 22:6
Promise VS. Proverb:
Promise – Absolute truth concerning something that will be done.
Especially true when it’s God’s promise.
Hebrews 6:17
Proverb – A general observation about life, it’s the best route to the desired end, BUT no guarantees are given.
Interpretation:
Promise- Of we raise children properly, even if they stray, they’ll eventually come back to God.
Proverb- If we raise a child properly, there’s a greater probability that children won’t totally abandon their spiritual roots but some of them will.
Hard-core truth:
++Try as we may, wish as we might, we cannot force this verse to say anything about the return of a wayward child.
Spiritual dangers of this false myth that a “godly home guarantees godly kids.”
1. Unwarranted guilt.
Truth:
- Parents have a great influence.
- Parents have accountability.
- But children have ultimate responsibility for their own actions.
Ezekiel 18:19–20
2. Foolish pride.
Ten Rules For Raising Godly Kids.
Five Strategies For Raising Kids.
Three Suggestions For Surviving Parenthood.
Truth:
++God deserves the credit.
3. False hope.
Hebrews 6:19–20
Just a thought…
Refrain from asking “Am I successful?” to asking “Am I faithful?”
Deuteronomy 6:6–9
What our kids need from us:
- Live authentically – Do your best to be a good example.
Titus 2:7
- Love patiently – Offer the same response God fives you when you struggle.
Ephesians 5:2
- Lead biblically – Each day is an opportunity to speak God’s Word into their lives.
- Let go.
Psalm 127:3–5
Good Advice:
- Faith rather than formula.
- Grace rather than guarantees.
- Steadfastness rather than success.