denying the importance of a deep conviction of scriptural truth will
not develop into godly piety during adolescence or early adulthood.
(^) No wonder we lose our kids. We lose them because we fail to
think clearly about man’s chief end. The chief end of man is to glorify
God and enjoy him forever; therefore, your objective in every context
must be to set a biblical worldview before your children. From their
earliest days, they must be taught that they are creatures made in the
image of God—made for God. They must learn that they will only
“find themselves” as they find him. Your child must grow to see that
real living is experienced when he stands before God and says,
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire
besides you” (Psalm 73:25). If this is what you want for your
children, then you must ensure that the content of everyday life fits
this objective.
Mixed Signals
(^) Psalm 36 asserts that it is only in his light that we see light. We,
however, present a different world to our children. In our attempt to
help them adapt to a culture that does not know God, we present
objectives to pursue and ways of solving life’s problems that are
unbiblical. In effect, we train them to think unbiblically. These
unbiblical patterns of thought and habits of action are at cross
purposescross-purposes with life lived for the glory of God.
(^) For example, if you teach your child to obey and to perform for
approval from you and from others, you present an unbiblical
objective. God says we should do all for his glory, because his eye is
upon us and he is the rewarder of the just. People will respond well to
a child who obeys, but you cannot make that secondary benefit of
obedience the primary reason for obeying.
(^) Another example may be helpful. What advice do you give your
child when she is confronted with abusive children on the school bus?
Many parents would urge their child to fight fire with fire, to follow