Aug
22
Don’t Be a Willing Party
Filed Under Devotional
My wife and I often joke that when you see misbehaving children, you should slap the parents. Now, while I don’t advise assaulting strangers in public, the point is valid. When children are unruly, ignorant, or rebellious, the responsibility lies with the parent. And, if you claim to be a follower of Christ, it ultimately lies with the father.
Sure, you can point to the fact that pop culture tells our kids to act differently than we’d like. You can single out teachers or friends who are bad influences. You can even argue that your wife is working at cross purposes to your wishes. Those things may be true, but that doesn’t change your responsibility. If you have the opportunity to influence the raising of your child, not only should you take it, but you must. If for no other reason than the fact that you would be contributing to his downfall.
“Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to his death.” Proverbs 19:18
These are not disconnected sentences. Lack of discipline can easily lead to turning down Christ’s offer which, ultimately, leads to spiritual death.
God will hold you responsible for the children He has given to you to raise. You will not be able to use those excuses with God. He will simply say, “I gave the child to you. What did you do to raise him?”
Don’t leave it to others. Don’t even leave it to your wife.
Be a man and train your child.