I have often been asked by parents why their children have left the church. I do not like to be judgmential but it could be the parents are the reason. If you're wondering why your children aren't in church, it's crucial to understand that your actions and priorities directly shape their faith. Your children have noticed that church attendance was never a priority in your life, influencing their disengagement from faith. This awareness should make you feel more responsible and aware of the significant role you play in your children's spiritual journey. Even the best example from parents often fail to see their children serving the LORD. So, this should create a strong sense of responsibility in every parent.
Deuteronomy 4:9 "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.
Deuteronomy 11:19 You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.
I understand balancing life's demands is challenging; sometimes, church attendance can be pushed aside. Sports events, job commitments, and personal pleasures often take precedence, and I recognize the challenges this presents. However, it's important to remember that these outside interests should not replace spiritual activities, as they message your children about what truly matters in life.
Furthermore, the lack of spiritual leadership from the father has been a critical factor. Children look to their parents, especially fathers, for guidance in matters of faith. Your absence or indifference in this area has left a void that your children have filled with other pursuits. Fathers who do not attend church with their children are telling them by their actions serving God is not a priority in life.
The hard truth is that your lack of commitment to your professed faith has significantly influenced your children's non-serving of the LORD. Your inconsistent actions speak louder than any words you might have shared about the importance of faith. It is true that what parents do in moderation, their children often do in excess.
It's time to face the facts: your children are not part of the church and, sadly, not part of the household of faith because of the example you've set. However, there is hope. If you want to see a change, it's crucial to recommit to your faith and demonstrate its importance through consistent actions. This recommitment is for your children and your spiritual growth and fulfillment. It's a step towards a brighter future for your family.
Yes, I know some parents who faithfully took their children to church, prayed with them, read the Bible, and taught them the way of salvation, but they left the church when they became older. It is heartbreaking to parents who have done all they could to raise their children in the ways of the LORD to see them forsake their spiritual teachings. More often than not, these children have witnessed how their friends missed church to play sports and attend concerts and entertainment events while they were required to participate in church. They feel they missed out on essential areas of life because they were in church. This poor spiritual leadership of those who did not have a God-first priority made it hard on those trying to raise their children right.
However, each person is responsible for their salvation and has the free will to choose their life path. The hope of the parents who raised their children godly is that they will return to the LORD one day. This hope should inspire us all to continue our efforts to make our children's spiritual lives a priority. It's a journey we're all on, and your determination can make a significant difference. Let this hope inspire you and keep you optimistic about the future of your children's faith. Prodigals do come home.
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