The current
spate of legislation entrenching transgender desires into law will continue to
increase the plight of children born to such indeterminate relationships. But
for those of us in traditional marriages, raising children is no easy matter
either. But they have a good start with the created value of a mother and
father. Some simple steps we can all take can enhance this ideal.
First, don’t
try to bring up good children! That
is beyond our ability and mandate. In the end, children will make their own
decisions, either because of us or in spite of us. Instead, we should decide we
are going to be good parents—not
easy, but largely an achievable goal.
While some
adult children will blame their personal faults and inabilities on their
parents, most will recognize their parents were also imperfect. Besides, if we
can blame our parents, then they can blame their parents, all the way back to
Adam and Eve! Then none of us has any personal responsibility.
Second, if
we are Christians, it is essential that we take our faith seriously. I
fervently believe Christian ideals and teaching are the basis for a productive
and joyful life, just as they have been the bedrock until recently for western
civilization. Children may not follow our instruction, but they will certainly
reject superficial lip service to our faith. If our faith is not the formative
basis for our lives, why should they accept it?
Third, there
is another, less tangible, benefit to our children for maintaining an ardent
faith in Jesus Christ. Whatever path our children will follow, God will remain
with them because of our allegiance to God. Solomon fell away from his faith in
God, but God’s response waited until after his death for the sake of David his father, 1 Kings
11:9–13.
In fact, the
nation of Judah benefitted from David’s faithfulness long after Solomon’s death,
despite the evil practices of subsequent kings, 2 Kings 8:16–19. Even the Ten
Commandments, which provide for punishment to the third generation of those who
follow their own personal idolatries, bless a thousand generations descending
from those who love and follow Him.
And, of
course, the blessing on the children for the faithfulness of their parents, will
affect the nation they live in. The current slide from respect for God into
chaos in western civilization may not yet be feeling the full effects of its
insanity, because of God’s patience based on the faith of its forbears. So for
our children and our nation, let’s retain a passionate belief and practice of
our faith.
“Oh may all who come behind us find us
faithful,” (Steve Green)
No comments:
Post a Comment