Christian Children -- January 9, 2009

But Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there."
Genesis 24:6 NKJV

God had called Abraham from the Chaldean lifestyle. Abraham had left it all behind for God’s promise of true prosperity. He was looking forward to the land and becoming a blessing to all peoples. Abraham knew about the allure of the Chaldean culture. He knew what sins were available to a young man. He insisted that his servant not take Isaac back to the life he had left behind, because temptation would overwhelm the simple life he had grown up in. Abraham wanted no chance of losing God’s promise for his offspring.

We too have been saved like Abraham. He is our spiritual father. Like Abraham, our children cannot be allowed to go back to the sins that we left behind. We know how seductive they can be to those who have never felt the sting of the harsh consequences their temporary pleasure brings. We know how exhilarating they can seem to someone who has not been cornered by their bondage. We cannot allow our children to return to the bondage we escaped.

The disposition to be like us is strong in our children. They are the things we are proudest of and the things that most aggravate our souls. We are proud of those characteristics our children have inherited from us that make them successful and honor God; but when they act just like us in an embarrassing way we are doubly humiliated. Whatever propensity you have for sin don’t let your child go “back there”.

Like Abraham, provide their needs in the Promised Land. If we don’t show our children legitimate ways to meet their needs God’s way we are sending them “back there”. Children have real needs for discipline, social events, spiritual training and life-skills so they can operate without us when we are gone. Like Proverbs says: Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (22:6)

Dear Christian parent pray for your children. Guard them from the world you fled. Keep them from going back to marry those outside the faith. With Abraham I say “Beware” do not let your children go back there.

Keeping My Kids Close,

Pastor Jason