Advise to Parents

One of the most difficult challenges a Christian faces is the struggle to share and live out the gospel in front of family members who are not in Christ. The challenge is so great because the burden is so personal and the consequences of unbelief are so serious. So what do we do?

As a recovering wayward child, I have a few points of advise for parents who may be struggling with this issue.

First, you must pray. You must beg God. You must plead with God. In John 3, we learn that the rebirth of an individual is the work of God alone. So instead of growing more and more frustrated with your son or daughter, grow more and more steadfast in prayer for your son or daughter. Remember, the things of God are foolishness to those who do not believe (1 Cor. 1:18). God is the only one who is able to make the blind see.

Second, you must learn to accept a healthy level of tension. You want to communicate to your son or daughter that your love for them is unconditional and that you accept them the way that God accepts us. However, you must not downplay your concern for their souls. This tension is difficult to maintain but necessary. If you are a Christian you represent Christ to your children. If Christ is not willing to ignore your child's need for new birth then you shouldn't be either.

Third, you must keep the big picture in mind. Don't spend all of your time disgusted by your child's addiction to cigarettes or alcohol or use of bad language. The gospel call is not a call to morality. Morality comes with faith and repentance, but not before. What does it profit a man to rid himself of bad habits only to forfeit his soul? What your child needs is a new heart. Anything short of a new heart amounts to nothing in eternity.

Fourth, you must continually expose your child to the gospel. The preached word is the power of God unto salvation. It may be that you are not the person God is going to use to bring your child to faith. It may be your preacher. It may be a youth leader. Whoever God uses, it will be the gospel that penetrates the heart. Expose your children to as many Christian people as you can. You never know which friend God will use to bring your child home to Christ. Work hard to point the thirsty to the source of living water.

If this list were 1,000 pages long and you did them all, you still would be unable to give your child a new heart. God must do that. This morning, as I type this, I am praying for wayward children in our church family. If you happen to be reading this and you know that your heart is not right with God, I pray that you would give Him another chance. The love and concern a parent feels for a wayward child is nothing compared to the love and concern God has for that person.

Let's do all we can and never never never give up hope that God can change your child's heart. Trust me when I say that no one is beyond the reach of the mercy of God.