Parenting is a Matter of Life and Death

Parenting is a matter of life and death

Ray Rhodes, Jr.

Parenting is a matter of life and death. The tremendous responsibility of bringing up children is enough to cause the knees to knock and the heart to race. Herein is the problem for many. How many parents actually contemplate the calling and responsibilities of being a parent? Writing in the early 1800’s the preacher John Angell James wrote: "On parents it depends in a great measure what their children are to be, --miserable or happy in themselves: a comfort or a curse to their associations: an ornament or a deformity to society...." Strong words to be sure—and they should be shocking enough to wake many a parent from their slumber. What is at stake is the eternal well being of this present generation and generations yet to be born (Psalm 78:1-8).

Godly parenting has many components—none of which is more important than seeking the spiritual well being of one’s children. Think about it. Our children will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. Is there any pursuit in this life more important than helping to prepare our children for eternity? Faithful parents seek to impress upon the hearts of their children the character of God; their need for God and that God alone is the Savior. Teaching from the Bible-- godly parent’s call on their children to repent of sin, place faith in Christ and to follow God in holiness of life.

One of the essential ingredients in parenting is to lead by example. The Christian parent wants his children to know and worship God. Teaching by example is to be a model of such worship. Being a model does not mean performing like an actor on the stage with your children serving as the audience. The godly parent is not an actor—but is alive to the things of God. Parenting by example does not mean that one is a perfect parent—but that one is an honest parent. The best of parents struggle with sin. The key to parenting by example is a willingness to acknowledge and confess sins and a looking to God for daily grace and strength. It is to model a life of dependence upon God that recognizes obedience to God is a serious matter. Children can be severely damaged by high tempered or lazy parents. They can be lead astray by the unholy activities of thoughtless parents. Where is your example leading your children? When one does not take seriously parental responsibilities, they are acting dangerously. Indeed parenting is a matter of life and death.

It is essential that parents lead by example. It is also essential that parents take time to instruct their children in the ways of God. This should be done thoughtfully, patiently, and lovingly. As a child I remember watching the television show "The Waltons." On that show, the grandmother disciplined her grandchildren for wrongdoing by making them memorize Bible verses. It seems to me that such a course of action is more likely to poison the minds of children to the things of God. God’s Word is precious and parents should strive to create a pleasing environment for Bible studies and prayer.

John Angell James wrote: "I am desirous, if it pleases God, that my children should be blessed with the enjoyment of reason, health, moderate portion of worldly wealth and respectability as is compatible with their station in life and with a view to this I will give them all the advantages of a suitable education. But beyond this—I far more intensely desire, pray, seek that they may have the fear of God in their hearts, be partakers of true religion, and be everlastingly saved. And provided God grant me the latter by bestowing upon them His grace I shall feel that my chief object is accomplished…. for rather I see them in the humble vale of poverty if at the same time they were true Christians than on the very pinnacle of worldly grandeur-but destitute of true piety. Let this be the guiding principle…by which all the course should be steered."

Parenting is a matter of life and death. Devote your energies to pursuing the eternal happiness of your children by teaching them the character and works of God by example and through verbal instruction.