The Bible and Christianity address all this brokenness in our lives and causes us to see it for what it is, sin. Because we are sinful by nature we experience this brokenness in an enumerable variety of ways in our society, communities, and families.
As a Christian I must accept certain responsibilities as a father, understanding what these are requires study of Gods Word accompanied with prayer and helpful teaching from other faithful men of faith. Most people of the Christian faith would understand and agree with that. But as I pointed out last week people believe many things. For instance, in preparing for this post I read the following statements from a person on children and religion.
"Of my two kids, I was concerned the younger one would turn to religion and never have an awakening. He seemed to be more of a follower than a leader, afraid of standing out or being separated from the crowd. I didn’t push. I didn’t criticize him for his curiosity about religion: I knew that pushing him could turn him into a hard-core Christian." ~ Posted on http://raisingkidswithoutreligion.net/
We first must understand that nothing outside of God and His mercy can turn anyone into a Christian. ( Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.) So you see, one choosing not to push or one choosing to try and push our children to God availeth anything, it is God that calls. (Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.)
That is not to say that positive influence is not helpful to a child, and that living in a negative Christian atmosphere will not be a hindrance to coming to faith in Christ. It is to recognized our source of hope and trust that God will show mercy and call our children into the faith.
We are not to become angry with people who do not understand, but simply present the Gospel as best we can to them and pray that God open their understanding. The hostility or dislike that people as the one above has toward Christianity stem from their choice of unbelief, they do not want God to govern their lives. As to Christianity, its principles would teach our children to walk with integrity, honesty, and purity in behavior. To work hard, be generous and kind, love their neighbor and treat people with equality. It will teach our children to love their spouses, be faithful in relationships and care for and honor their parents. It is just a belief in God that offends their conscience and therefore they are offended with Christians.
I often wonder which virtue of the Christian faith is the one that offends or the one they don't want their children to walk in. They are offended at God and therefore offended at his people. I assume they feel they can teach these things to their children without Christianity, which a far a morals goes they can, provided the culture allows for it. What is misunderstood is that Christianity is more than morals, morality does not offer a payment to an offended God. An understanding of the Creator's justice is something we all come short of.
May the God of Grace help us as Christian Fathers to lead our children in the ways of righteousness and trust Him to create in them a new heart and a desire to love and walk with Him throughout their lives. Then in turn lead their families into the same faith of hope and love. May He give us as fathers the Grace to present the Gospel to those who are offended in such a way that it pleases Him to open their eyes to see Him for the Glory of which He is.
May the Grace of God be upon each of you,
David
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From the heart and the home:If a Picture Paints a Thousand Words...
As I observe the picture to the left (placed on this sight by my husband, I might add), there's just something about it that speaks volumes about a place and time in our history that bore such impact on the life we get to enjoy today. This gal's attire is something we would only don in some memorable celebration of history. Let's face it, the task she seems to be performing is something I would likely do in a pair of gloria vanderbilt jeans and a $3.00 tee shirt that says "Granny." lol
At any rate, there's so much hidden in this portrait of simple modesty and grace. Too often it's easy to be of the opinion that we've come so far since our ancestors arrived in this great land establishing a place of freedom to worship the true and living God. When we read through the practices and habits of the Puritan era within a group of folks, most always someone will have to make a mockery of something pertaining to such levels of devotion in the lives of these who should be remembered for so much.
The point today is simply that she, and those of her company have had their day in the plan of the Lord. Their witness has made its destined mark in this world. Now we're left with the things we can read of these works of grace, and such a blessing this is as we seek to walk out a life of modesty and simplicity that would honor the Lord in a day such as we find ourselves.
Photographs will be left behind of you and I as well. What will be the message portrayed to the observer upon their gaze? Will it be serenity and peace? Will it be "an ornament of a meek and quite spirit?" Could it be a confidence revealed that transcends one beyond his present circumstances to know the gracious hand of his God? Or, will it be the cares of this life that have weighed and stressed with great marks, the countenance that our Lord intended to be shaped by Him?
As we make our journey through this place of temporary citizenship, may we be ever mindful that it is the Christ within whereby we now live. He is our eternal hope of glory! While our clothing styles have changed (though they should still be modest of course), His presence never does. His light within never changes.
Proverbs 15:13 "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."
I Peter 3:4 "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
Have a blessed week,
Julie
