Beech Tree News Network

            The following is a true story. A man who became a Christian later in his life was talking to his grown son one day about how he needed to be a Christian as well. The conversation went like this:

            Father: “Son, I wish I had been a Christian while you were a little boy.”

            Son: “Why do you say that?”

            Father: “Because, if I had been a Christian when you were a little boy, you’d be one today.”

            Son: “You don’t know that.”

            Father: “Well son, think about it this way. When you were little, I would take you hunting in the fall. What do you do now on your own?”

            Son: “I go hunting in the fall. I even go out of state to hunt.”

            Father: “When you were little, I would take you fishing. What do you do now on your own?”

            Son: “I go fishing, and I take my boy fishing, too.”

            Father: “See my point? Had I been a Christian when you were small, you’d have been raised up knowing Christ like you were raised up knowing about hunting and fishing, and you’d be a Christian.”

             This true conversation gives us parents something to consider, doesn’t it? Solomon said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). This passage is a truism or axiom, but it declares something we all know. Namely, that when parents do their job in teaching their children about the Lord and they respond in obedience, then children will grow up and not depart from the godly teaching that they learned.

             This is demonstrated in other areas of life as well. For example, if a person is excited about hunting, fishing, sports, or anything else, the parent will naturally express such passion to the children. The children will then be influenced by the parent, and will probably end up enjoying what the parent enjoys.

             Now, let us make this lesson personal. If I am a Christian, and my passion is for the Lord and His word; and when I show true zeal according to knowledge (Titus 2:14), then my children will see it. They will feel this excitement, and more than likely will want to be a Christian as I am (Matt. 5:16; Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6; Mk. 16:16).

             Perhaps some folks will read this article and respond that one or more of their children are not serving God even though they had been taught it from youth. Please remember that every person is a free moral agent with the ability to choose to obey or disobey God. God Himself has not had all of His children to be faithful to Him, either (II Tim. 4:10; Heb. 3:12; I Tim. 4:1-2)! Yes, when we do our best, some children may still choose Satan’s ways (Matt. 7:13). At the same time, if we do nothing at all, and do not teach them the Lord’s way (Eph. 6:4), we can be assured that all of our children will go the way of Satan! Therefore, don’t give up (Gal. 6:9)!

             Parents, let us learn from the example of Abraham (Gen. 18:19).

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167