Influence our Children
We are dreading it like the plague—and yet, we know there is nothing we can do about it. Our children will grow up, and one day leave home to build their own family. God blessed my wife and me with three precious children, who have brought a lifetime of joy and happiness. With bedraggled hair and lines on their faces, we have soaked up their morning smiles. And with comforting arms and a plethora of nightlights, we have conquered nighttime monsters. All the while, watching their beautiful handprints fill our house. But the time will come when they grow up and move away, no longer under our guidance and care. Thus, this open letter to you.
Do You Have Any Influence With The Children?
I don’t know what day it will be, or in what town you will likely see them. But chances are, in this “small world,” your paths will cross one day. I hope on that day, you will remember this letter and help their mom and me out. Believe me when I tell you that we are praying for that day. For you see, as parents, we want nothing more than to hear Almighty God say to our children “Well done good and faithful servants…enter thou into the joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:23).
Now please do not think we are unloading our responsibility on you. This is certainly not the case. We know that children are like arrows in the hand of a mighty man (Psalm 127:4), and it has been with forethought and determination that we have launched them towards that goal that we so lovingly call Heaven. In fact, we have centered their lives around God and His Word from the day they were delivered into this world. We try to seize every opportunity available to teach them about God, Jesus, the Bible, and His creation around us. We not only “talk the talk” of Christianity, but we humbly “walk the walk.” But there will come a day when mom and dad’s voices will not be heard as loudly as others. And sadly, there will come a time when we will not load them into our car to go to worship with us. And so, we are soliciting your help.
My wife and I do not subscribe to the idea of “political correctness.” Thus, if you ever see our children doing something they shouldn’t, correct them, and add a good swat as a reminder. Should they be running, playing, and acting like the church building is a playground, block their path and rebuke them—remind them that tracks and playgrounds are for running. If our children look sleepy or tired in worship, please ask them what was more important the evening before that caused God to take a backseat. If they are late to worship, tell them to buy a watch. If they leave the auditorium during the sermon, kindly remind them to get “their business” done before worship begins. If they walk by without speaking to (or worse yet, almost knocking over) elderly members in the church, take them by the arm and nip it right then and there. If they appear to be passing notes or not paying attention, kindly take a minute to ask them what they learned in the lesson that day, and ask them why we worship. Do not be afraid to tell them if they are dressed inappropriately. And if for any reason you do not see them in a worship assembly that they should be in, please pick up the phone and call them (and us) immediately. For you see, we want our children not only to be “Christians” in name; we want them to live faithful Christian lives.
If you have the opportunity to teach either one of our children in school, or in a Bible class, please challenge them. I know many “specialists” warn that we should not push our children too hard, but we would like to see ours wrestle with a few problems. Part of learning is knowing how to think on your own. This lesson will never be learned if they are given the answers each time something is challenging. How will a child learn perseverance or diligence if they are handed everything on a silver platter? God blessed them all with brains, and we expect them to use them.
If you happen to be the parents who are currently rearing the children who will be their future spouses, know that we are praying for you as well. We know that the values, character, and spiritual emphasis you are currently placing in your children’s life, will one day greatly affect our own children. Our children are being taught that marriage is for life—period. We hope your children are hearing the exact same message. Your offspring will likely be one of the most influential factors in getting our children to heaven. Please do not take your job lightly!
The devil desperately wants my children. However, he knows that as long as their mother and I still have breath in our lungs, we will be fighting for their souls—a fight that we do not intend to lose. And with you in our Christian family, we know that the devil will fail. Know that we are eternally grateful for your help, and we ask for your continued prayers, as we do all we can to get our children to Heaven. –
Brad