Why do you write to the kids? It seems like so many of these articles are devoted to the youth. To those who are 25 and under, why? Well, maybe I feel inadequate as a father. Maybe, I see uncertainty in my own youth. Or maybe I can remember that when you are 17 everything seems possible, and the rules feel…flexible.
Proverbs 22.6 tell us to “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Many of you are…well… headed in the direction you were trained to go. But, the young are still impressionable and in need of direction. Which direction? I want my kids to know that I am not perfect. (A sentiment they would probably attest to) However, let it be said of all of God’s children- ‘I’m trying the best I can’. Fail? At times, yes! I do! Should I be punished? For sure.
Kids understand; when you were born, there was no divine guide given in the hospital that said- “when ___ happens, respond with ___”. Many of us parents are doing the best we can to remember what it was like to be in your shoes. We want to connect with you, and we want to see you succeed. We want you to use your freedom for the glory of the Father. And, from where we sit, we are just trying the best we can to keep you from making poor decisions.
Parents must also understand; in many cases the young ones are trying to figure out how to handle challenges that we weren’t presented with. How do you respond to challenges on social media? How do you deal with COVID? There are also challenges we faced that are normal for all growing Christians. Such as, how do I show my faith? How do I deal with certain temptations?
Temptations to sin is where we should unite. Sin never changes. The temptations may present in unique ways- but sin is sin. The temptations to lust, covet, back-bite- whatever. The temptation to sin is something that all humans have to deal with.
How can I help? As a parent, I want to present a picture of having overcome temptation. But be honest, we are still tempted- and we still fail at times. My kids need to hear, “I’m sorry”; “I didn’t handle that well”. Our kids need to know we are not perfect. But we are perfected by the blood of Christ. May He have mercy on us all.