The home and family are under attack! Why? I believe it is because the home is the fundamental, foundational element in a civilized culture. Our traditional ways are being undermined and all of the world is suffering for it. The damage is not yet complete, but there is a concentrated effort to destroy the family and all that it means to us.
Our family is precious to us. We have been blessed with six children, Twenty-six grandchildren, and One great grandchild. In our very hearts we have desires for their lives, a passion for their souls, and long for their good health and happiness for all of them. It is our habit to pray for them, to help them where we can, and to seek God's help in leaving a godly heritage for them. When they are joyful, it blesses us. When they hurt, we grieve for them. It is no exaggeration to say they mean more to us than our very own lives.
Over the years we have determined not to interfere with our sons and daughters in how they raise and discipline their children. We believe firmly that the LORD has given parents the responsibility for parenting their own children and not us. If they ask our advice, we are happy to give it. But otherwise we keep our opinions to ourselves -- most of the time. I am very sorrowful about an incident the other day, though. My two cents were contributed to one of our children. And, frankly, the thing I addressed was none of my business. I believe the criticism hurt someone doing their very best. That breaks my heart.
Thousands of years ago, GOD gave the responsibility for the teaching, training, discipline, and care of children to their parents. I love this passage from Deuteronomy 6: " These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. . . "
It is the PARENTS who will be accountable to God for all of the care, teaching, discipline, and decisions related to raising their children. It is GOD who has entrusted them with children. He will guide them and give them wisdom to fulfill his calling to them as parents. The plan of God for the family is not to be taken lightly nor is it to be infringed upon. And WE are the ones who should be encouragers, supporters, and helpers in every way that God enables us.
In our culture, the integrity of the home and the authority of parents is being undermined -- even among Christians. Children are being taught to call human services if they don't like what their parents are doing. Law enforcement is negligent about delinquency cases and parents are not supported in many cases. Some public educators usurp the authority of parents in the home. Children are violating God's command to honor and obey their parents. They are resisting parental guidance and rebelling against their authority. As this happens, there will be grave consequences.
It is my prayer that we will help and not hinder. May we bless and not wound. We can pray instead of criticize. Let GOD be glorified as families support each other!
NOTE: I realize that in cases of violence and abuse, intervention is necessary.
