05/07/2012 - A Father’s counsel

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Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.

Proverbs 19: 18

When our children are born we feel such a great joy. Yet, with time, some of them happen to cause us a lot of pain. That takes place due to the fact that they have not been taught to fear God. Some parents even strive to give their children a good education; yet, our children learn more with our attitudes rather than with our words. Be careful with the way you live The Gospel because your children will live IT likewise.

The Word of God states that, if we train our children in the way they should go, they will never depart from it (Proverbs 22: 6). That is something to be taken seriously. Do not fail to teach yours, right from the first moments of their lives, the teachings of the divine Word. Both our blood children and our spiritual children must be dressed as people that lack a personal relation with The Lord.

Some parents even do all they can to give their children a good education, but they happen to forget or they are unaware of the fact that a best instruction is achieved from The Word of God. Those children who are not acquainted with IT, whenever facing any temptation, will make decisions that will ultimately drive their parents into despair. Not few are the families bereaved in view of their children who, although they had received the best material goods, they did not resist the temptation of committing suicide.

Men is the only being who – apart from those blood children he may bring to this world – can lead others straight into the world of God as well. Such a privilege is available to everybody, but those who do not experience the love of our Father, though they may strive, will not be able to lead their offspring into salvation. Our spiritual children need, likewise, to see the good example being set by us, their spiritual parents, so they will also be able to get the Good Way right.

If your blood children or those you have generated in Christ make a mistake, you must not fail to correct them. They need to understand that sin is not something to be taken for granted, on the contrary, it is a hellish weapon to strip people of eternal happiness. A parent who does not reprimand his or her child is not only causing them harm but he or she is altogether despising what God has commanded. It is our duty to care for our inheritance from The Lord; yet, you must not go over the top when it comes to punishment, otherwise the newly-converted child’s faith might fade out.

Be a thoughtful parent. Get to learn how to be obedient to The Word of God by doing your best so your attitudes will speak out and loud to your descendants. The Most High will not take as innocent the reckless parents. Those who do not live up to their parenting role shall ultimately cry bitter tears.

There is hope while one is alive. Therefore, use the staff of God, the Divine Word; and in doing so you will get good results by looking after your beloved ones.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares