Friday, September 3, 2010
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
WISDOM SURROUNDS ITSELF WITH THE WISE
As Christian parents we are actively involved in our children's lives. We want to know their friends and peers. We want to know those that influence them because it's smart and Scripture reminds us: "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Our children have sinful natures and are tempted to sin just as we are. Their sinful natures will urge them to follow the crowd rather than be different and flee from sin and temptation. It's important that we not be blind, but remember that our children are sinners in need of both Law and Gospel. Sometimes as parents we tend to be Law-oriented, focused on correcting our children when they sin. This is good and acceptable, but children also need to hear the Gospel. It's important that we not only correct, but also soothe the wounds made by the Law with the salve of the Gospel of Forgiveness in Christ. Go back and tell your child why they were corrected--that it was love for their soul that prompted it. Tell them that their sins are forgiven by the blood of the Savior.
If we teach them Law and Gospel they will not only be led by the Spirit to flee from youthful lusts, but also see the benefit of surrounding themselves with godly influences. The Spirit of God teaches and leads us to run away from sinful desires that are harmful to our souls. The Spirit also teaches us to run after faith, love, and peace alongside those who are also running the same race, looking to the Savior for the strength to finish (cf. Hebrews 12:1-2).
