We’re never standing still when it comes to spiritual things. Either we’re growing and becoming more like Christ or we are drifting away from God. Worse yet, like Solomon, we can get comfortable or even play around with sin, thinking we’re too smart to get caught in its snares. But if we do, we could find ourselves heading down a slippery slope.
And in our New Testament reading, Jesus rides into Jerusalem after a meal with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. As He does, the people welcomed Him by praising God and throwing palm branches in front of Him. But in five days, they would be yelling, “Crucify Him!” Have you ever wondered how people could be praising Him one day and crying for His death in almost the next breath? And could there be a parallel between that and some people we know who are excited about the things of God one minute and nowhere to be found the next?
When it comes to Christian parenting, I don’t believe there has ever been a time when it has been more challenging to make wise decisions. Goals that parents have had for generations may need to be rethought in light of the educational, professional, social, and business environment today.
In the area of education, I know I find it harder and harder these days to rejoice with friends when they tell me their son or daughter has received a scholarship or been accepted into a secular college or university. And frankly, some so-called Christian colleges are not much better. I’ve seen too many young people wooed away from the truth by worldly, liberal professors with unbiblical and in many cases anti-biblical agendas.
The combination of liberal secular ideologies wrapped in deceptive, yet appealing, packaging and our failure to properly prepare many of our young people for the all-out war for their souls has cost our families and the body of Christ dearly.
So, when it comes to Christian parenting, what do we need to consider?
Unfortunately, none of us passes through this life without pain and heartache. Some of it is self-inflicted. And some perpetrated by others. Sometimes the pain is small and quickly forgotten. Other times it’s deep and life-changing. So, how should we respond when people hurt us?
Can you or I lose our salvation? Many people believe if you have walked an aisle, prayed a prayer, were baptized, or fulfilled some other requirement, that’s it. You’re in! Others say we can lose our salvation through sin or neglect. But is there another consideration?
What about you personally? Do you have doubts about your relationship with God? If you died tonight, do you know beyond a doubt where you would spend eternity? Or do you lack assurance of your salvation?
Do you know the voice of God? Would you know if it was the enemy speaking to you or even your own heart? Jesus said that one of the benefits of belonging to Him is that we know His voice. But that doesn’t just happen. So, how do we grow in our ability to hear His voice?
What does God have to say about stay-at-home moms and God’s blessings? What does He have to say about mothering, in general? Is it possible we are all mothers whether we have biological children or not? And is there a calling on women that is bigger than we might know? #motherhood #mothers #God #soulsurvival
Does God use tests and trials, including those caused by others, for our good? That can be a challenging thought for many of us.
How do you respond when someone sins against you? Do you get angry? Defensive? Do you allow it to justify sinning in return? If God allows us to be sinned against at times, what do we need to understand about our responses and how we should respond so we can benefit from our trials?
Abortion is one of those topics that can hardly be discussed anymore. Those who are against it are passionately so. And those who are in favor of it are almost religious about it.
As believers, how should we view the subject? Is it always a sin? What about in cases of rape and incest? And if it’s a sin, is it an unforgivable sin? If it’s forgivable, why not terminate an inconvenient pregnancy and ask for forgiveness later?
What about women who have had an abortion or men who have encouraged their wives or girlfriends to have one? How does God view them? How should we? These are important questions. How would you answer them?
Once we were slaves to sin, but now we have not only been forgiven for our sins but set free from the bondage of sin. Yet many of us live as if we are still slaves to it. What about you? Are you living in the power of the Holy Spirit with the resources God has provided or are you still living as if you are a slave to sin?
Also:
Why is a dry crust of bread better than the abundance that many enjoy? And why is the Old Testament still important to us today?
During His earthly ministry, there were many different reactions to Christ and His claims. Some were convinced, some contrary, some confused, and others hostile. Not much has changed today.
Where are you and what is your attitude toward Him? Do you say you believe without trusting Him personally or without putting “feet” to your faith? Do questions about other religions or science confuse you? Or are you convinced He is who He said He was and live your life accordingly?
Even as professing believers, we can fall into some of these attitudes. We can trust in Christ for our salvation, but be contrary about obedience in certain areas or refuse to trust the Bible wholeheartedly. Or we can be confused because He isn’t working in our lives the way we want. We can believe He isn’t answering our prayers. Could it be that we have a wrong understanding of God and how He works in our lives? I hope you’ll read today’s post and evaluate where you are.
