SHEPHERDING
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
And now we come to perhaps the most famous verse as it pertains to the next generation. And, in truth, it can be a verse that comes with some bitterness. Because there are certainly parents who have done their best to direct their children onto the right path. But when those children grew older, they did, in fact, depart from that path. So, how do we reconcile that reality with what this verse says?
First, and perhaps most importantly, this verse is a general truism, not an absolute promise. The book of Proverbs largely speaks to how things generally are in various circumstances, not so much in concrete promises. The truth is that sometimes righteous men in the Bible go on to have wicked sons. Sometimes the opposite is true. Just study the history of Israel and Judah’s kings. In another sense, our heavenly Father’s son Israel went astray despite perfect love from a perfect Father.
So, if you’re reading this as the parent of a prodigal, perhaps now is the time to let go of any anger, guilt or shame you’ve been holding onto. Trust that God sees, knows and loves your child even more than you do. As a parent, it’s hard for me to imagine anyone loving my children more than me. But when I read Psalm 139, I’m reminded that God was the One handcrafting my children in the womb, knowing everything about them before I even met them.
The parable of the prodigal son is a good one to keep in mind as we consider young people we love who may grow up and distance themselves from God. Yes, the prodigal went through a season of wild living. But he eventually came to the end of himself and returned to the loving arms of his father. If that young person you love is currently astray, keep praying for them. If they’re not dead, He’s not done. Don’t give up.
And if your child is still young, be intentional in showing them Jesus as they grow. Pray for them daily. Saturate them with the Word of God. Be authentic and consistent in your own faith, modeling for that child what it truly means to follow Jesus. Prioritize Christ-centered community over any of the other many things that might vie for your time (a significant part of this is being plugged into a healthy church). Talk about your faith. Share the Gospel with your child. Do all that you can do, then trust God with the rest.
APPLICATION: What young person can you pray for right now? Your own child? A relative? Someone in your community? Pray that God would move through the supernatural power of His Holy Spirit to move that young person from death to life. If we don’t pray for the young people we love and have been entrusted to care for, who do we think will?
PRAYER: Father, You are sovereign, even when things in my life or the lives of those I love are difficult. I pray that many young people will pass from death to life, acknowledging You as Lord and Savior. Help me to love them well and show them You in my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?