WHERE HAVE ALL THE CHILDREN
GONE?
Children Are a Barometer of Their Parents’ Faith
It is a known fact that more and more children, once they arrive at their teen years, are planning a way of escape from traditional religion. Yet, if parents were honest with themselves, they would realize that this trend started well before the teen years. It actually began with the parents when the child(ren) were young. That’s right. A parent’s walk with Adonai/the Lord is watched closely by their child(ren). Their keen little minds can tell whether their father or mother is truly sold out to Adonai or is actually playing a “religious” game.
I remember when one of our daughters was 6 years old. She asked me why so many parents lie to their children. I was concerned and asked for an explanation. She stated that they lie about Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. If they lie about this, she stated, they probably lie about other things. She was right.
How many times do you hear of people trying to save their children by sending them to church, synagogue, private or religious schools or even a religious college. The end result many times is generally disastrous, with the children becoming promiscuous, being sexually assaulted, pregnant or they completely walk away from their parents’ ideal for their child’s spiritual life.
After the failure of our children to walk in the ways of the Lord, we often find excuses for their behavior, most of the time not even looking at our own lives. We blame their friends, the city we live in, the neighbor’s children, the pop culture, their music preference, the schools, the teachers, their entertainment, even the church or synagogue, the Sunday School class or youth group. However, we seldom see the truth. That is because most of the time, we don’t even know or understand the truth. Or, we do and we don’t want to take on the responsibility. So, what am I talking about?
This is what I have seen for over 30 years in the denominational churches: (1) the leaders are not teaching the Bible in its entirety or in truth (2) parents are sending their children off to religious institutions to do their work instead of them being leaders in their home (3) the religious institution has become a babysitter, entertainment center, social gathering place, escape route or dating place.
Do you know that in his book, Already Gone, Ken Ham stated “Sunday school is actually more likely to be detrimental to the spiritual and moral health of our children”? In other words, those who attend Sunday school faithfully are more likely to leave the church than those who do not attend.
Why are these modes of religious upbringing failing? Not because of the institution or programs, but because of what parents expect from these. Most of the programs do not even belong in the church or the synagogue to begin with.
Let us look at what Adonai says in Deuteronomy 6:6, 7: “These words, which I am ordering you today, are to be on your heart; and you are to teach them carefully to your children. You are to talk about them when you sit at home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” These words were directed to the fathers of the home. Now, without making everyone angry, let’s be honest. How many fathers do YOU know who are following this commandment? How many are leading their homes spiritually? This was NOT Adonai’s suggestion; this IS a commandment, which, by the way, was NOT done away with. I can prove it; can you?
Not long ago, I wrote an article for our website. The article is titled “The Road That Leads Two Ways.” You might want to check out this short message. I think you will find it beneficial. It is a personal testimony.
No earthly teacher can take the place of Adonai and the Scriptures, which He gave us as instructions for our lives. This is what the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah, are all about. These are rules, regulations, commandments and instructions on how to live our lives to the fullest. We can set them aside, saying as some do, “they have been done away with,” or we can read them, study them, and put them into practice. If you obey, what you will see developing in your family will be astonishing. When a father’s and mother’s Scriptural role are developed and utilized in front of the children, they will begin to respond. Possibly not right at first, but if you are sincere, they will notice. Give everyone time…even the Lord!
If you are single parenting with a child(ren), this can be a little more work, but it can be accomplished. Also, if only one spouse/parent is practicing their religious duty, then that parent should do their best to follow Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and all Scripture pertaining to the family. Restoration comes with action, not just thoughts.
We do not have to fail. We do not have to watch our children walk away from the Lord and His Word. WE are the ones responsible, not the church, not the synagogue, not any other person.
Do not shirk your duty? The lives of your children and spouse are in danger of falling prey to the enemy. You have the power to stop this exodus by today’s youth from the Word of God and the destruction of the family unit. Chazek! (Be strong!)
November 2012