From time to time when raising a family, you may notice that little foxes try to come in (Song of Solomon 2:15), or even wolves (Matthew 10:16). This may come in the form of acquaintances, false teachers, family members, or forms of entertainment such as music, videos, etc. Whatever the form, we must take care to guard our families. Especially when raising children, we cannot allow them to fall prey to those people or things that would lead them away from the paths of righteousness.
If we are striving to instill certain beliefs into our children--those that honor our Lord Jesus Christ, then it is unwise to purposely let other influences into our children's lives that will contradict what we are trying to teach them. Of course, we know that our children will always be around sin, to some degree, because we are living in the world, but we should not intentionally expose them to what is harmful to them--because this will harm their souls. First and foremost, we must be thinking of our children's souls.
Of course, we should always try to live at peace with everyone, whether they be our relatives, neighbors, fellow church members, etc. We should treat these people with kindness and respect, whether or not we agree with them on things. However, we should never compromise our beliefs and convictions if they want us to do something against our better judgment for our children (of course, for ourselves, as well). A mother is called to be a gatekeeper of her home, and a husband is to lead his family into what is good and right and true. If we let the foxes and wolves through unhindered, it is very likely that they will devour our children, or at the very least, take them captive. Are you willing to take that risk?
Love does not conquer all in every situation. We must be careful to give our children instruction in the right paths whenever possible, so they are well familiar with the Lord's narrow way. But sometimes we have to put up boundaries for our children's sake. This is unfortunate, but our first ministry is to our families, and we must be looking out for their welfare at all times.
“This is the thought that should be uppermost on your mind in all you do for your children. In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, "How will this affect their souls?”
~J.C.Ryle, The Duties of ParentsReceive Blessed Homemaking in your inbox. Subscribe here.
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Steph Johnson:
ReplyDeleteI want more! I was just getting into it, and the article was over! Please write more in this topic; you are so right. Scriptures are clear about this.
Thank you for letting me know. I will try to write more on this subject in the future.
DeleteShannon D:
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. As much as it hurts me, I had to put up boundaries with my mom this week, after two episodes at my house that affected my children. I have been feeling horrible for it, but my job is to protect my children.
It is sad and hard when you have to do something like that, but sometimes it is necessary ♥
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