7/18/2017
Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21, 2 Timothy 3:16, Titus 2:7-8.
To those who have failed as parents
Parents you need to take time to pray for and with your children. You are the example they follow therefore do not shirk your responsibility as spiritual leaders in your own homes. Remember, children learn most from observing you at home. You cannot be one way at home and another way in church. Children recognize hypocrisy faster than adults and they do not easily forget when you misbehave in front of others. So many parents lack self discipline, they yell and scream profanities at one another and at their children yet they expect their children to be perfect at all times. You must practice self discipline as a parent because you are the first example of parenthood and adulthood that children see. Your children will emulate you first before they emulate anyone else and if they start acting like you how effective is your correction of behaviors that they have learned from you? You must as a parent have integrity and follow through on your word. While children are still young instill Christian core values in them so that they become a normal part of life for your children. Surround them with sound doctrine, set exemplary standards of conduct in your own lives as parents and as a family. Let living a Christ like life as outlined in my word be a normality in your household. Remember children internalize earlier experiences in life even more deeply than what they experience in adulthood. The things you do or say while they are still young can and does leave an impression upon them for their entire life. Therefore make sure you impress upon them Christian values at a very young age. Just like they remember their nursery rhymes so in much the same way they will remember what you instill in them while they were still little children. Parents who set a bad example all of their children’s’ lives do not have anyone to blame but themselves. Repent now, turn away from your sin, apologize to your children and start afresh even though your kids are now grown and some have even left home and have children of their own. While you are still alive it is never too late to lead by example. Let my Holy Spirit who is residing in you teach you my ways and then put them into practice. As you faithfully make an effort to change, your light will begin to shine brighter and brighter and soon you will lead your children to my truths. I say once again repent and come to me I am giving you another chance to make things right between you and your children. Regardless of how old they are and of how poorly you led them as parents it is never too late to start anew. If your children deny the change in you and refuse to accept your apology do not be dismayed you have obeyed my voice and taken the first step to mend their broken hearts. Leave the rest to me but continue to show them that you are sincere and that you have indeed changed.
Amen.
