From Failure to Success With Our Children

Dr. Ben Carson, born into a poor family and only achieving average grades became a leading pediatric neurosurgeon; Mandy Harvey, deaf at age 18 moved on to become a finalist in America’s Got Talent as a singer; Henry Ford, a many-time failure became an automotive industry titan; Thomas Edison experienced over 10,000 failures with the light bulb and was dubbed ‘too stupid to learn anything’ by his own teachers.

The list can go on and on and similar lists can be made from many areas of life … as in the raising and training of children.  However, many parents, especially Christian parents, see themselves as failures, even total failures, when it comes to raising children.  Sometimes parents do not get involved in their children’s lives.  Their children are left on their own to battle the forces of evil around them, including false teaching at school.

It may seem that all is lost … we have failed.  But, all is not lost.  God is waiting for our call and waiting for us to give our children over to Him.  There is still time and good reason for re-establishing relationships and getting involved in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Pastor Brian Moss in his article, “I Failed as a Parent: Now What?” reminds us of the story of Adam and Eve, “Even God’s kids, who had the perfect parent in the ideal home, rebelled against everything they were taught.”  Then we saw God come and walk with them, relate to them, and ask questions.

The point is: don’t just sit back and let things happen.  Get involved!  Become well acquainted with your child’s school and other decisions in your child’s education.  Have courage and trust in the Lord as you get involved in all areas of your children’s lives. Otherwise, every part of our nation, of our churches, and our children will be destroyed, eaten away by the evil of this world (Joel 1: 2-20).  Lovingly and positively teach the children God has given to your care. Fit them with the armor of God and pray that armor over them.  Then you will see real progress begin in their lives and carry into many generations (Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:6-9).  “He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which He commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born” (Psalm 78:5-6).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel