"We taught our kids the Bible, but they have left God. What happened? We thought if we trained them in God’s Word, they would not depart from him. Isn’t that what the Bible says?
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6 NKJV)
Be careful with this verse. Don’t interpret it to mean 'If I put my kids on the right path, they’ll never leave it. If I fill them full of Scripture and Bible lessons and sermons, they may rebel, but they’ll eventually return.'
The proverb makes no such promise. Salvation is a work of God. Godly parents can prepare the soil and sow the seed, but God gives the growth (1 Cor. 3:6). Moms and dads soften hearts but can’t control them.
Show them the path? Yes.
Force them to take it? No.
At moments in my own life I stood at the crossroads of the path and even took a few steps down the wrong one. One thing always brought me back—that inner compass shown to me by my Christ-loving parents.
No child ever leaves God’s sight. A child may turn his back on God or try to hide from his sight. But leave God’s view? Impossible. God has his eye on every child of his.
The Holy Spirit will follow your child down every back road, every dark alley, every dead end and always remind him of the foundation of belief you showed him—the road back home.
My wife shares this verse with the parents of prodigals. It is a good one for you: “The Lord says, 'This is my agreement with these people: My Spirit and my words that I give you will never leave you or your children or your grandchildren, now and forever’” (Is. 59:21 NCV).
From Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important QuestionsCopyright (Thomas Nelson, 2011) Max Lucado
Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at www.OnePlace.com
Used with permission
You may contact me at: jowildflowers@gmail.com http://www.jean-oathout.blogspot.com
My helpful book of wisdom for brides: http://www.amazon.com/So-You-
Tomorrow's post: HOVERING OVER AND BRINGING FORTH: Prayer Note # 50
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