“Keeping The Light On”

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Two of my children left home to live with their father that has not been in their lives all their lives (my son is seventeen and daughter thirteen).  They feel like I have to many rules, and he has none.  Their father is not saved and does not go to church.  I know this will be a big mistake.  I want my children home, but like God, I want to choose the right thing.  What do I need to study and pray about to have them to see the light and come home before it is too late, or should I just let it be?  Help!

Sincerely,
The Unpopular Parent

Dear The Unpopular Parent,

Of course you want your children home, but forcing them to come home won’t work either.  Hammering them with Bible verses probably isn’t going to be your best option.  Since they have the option of choosing where they live, and since they are old enough to make the decision on their own… their lives are in their own hands to a certain degree.  You have been a light in their life (Php 2:15), and you have tried to train them up in a way that is pleasing to God (Pr 22:6).  Now they will have to decide who they want to become.

At some point, everyone has to work out their own salvation (Php 2:12).  Your children, for better or worse, are now entering that stage of life.  Continue to be a loving, godly example to them and let your influence work.  Your children are already greatly blessed with an advantage because their mother is a christian (Pr 20:7).  You have done your best to provide them with the tools to succeed, and now it is their turn to ask and seek for themselves (Matt 7:7).

Continue to pray (1 Thess 5:7), continue to teach them when possible (Deu 11:19), and then be still and know that the future is in the Lord’s hands (Ps 46:10).

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