Parents of Good Kids – BEWARE

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Parents of Good Christian Kids – BEWARE – Ray E Horton

I have been in several conversations with Christian parents who thought they had effectively passed on their faith. Taken totally by surprise, loving believers have seen their kids lukewarm, questioning their faith and even rebelling against all they believed. But, even if your kids have shown no signs of this, please don’t stop reading. I want you to be saved a lot of heartache.

Yes, parents have not always done the best job, and our kids have often been hurt by well-intended fellow believers, churches and youth groups. But the blame actually rests with the enemy of our souls. What better way to try to bring down the Lord’s Kingdom and its advance against the world of darkness than to get at those whom we love most, next to Him and our spouses.

Many Christian parents teach their children “about” the Lord but fail to teach them to actually “know” the Lord

It is typical of many Christian parent to teach their children all “about” the Lord but fail to teach them to actually “know” the Lord. How do you do that? It is easier caught than taught. Be a good example. Do you know if your children have intimate prayer lives? Do they ever mention things that Jesus has been speaking to their hearts? Talk to them about your experiences with the Lord. Share with them what the Lord has been speaking to your heart. Kids are imitators. Leading questions can help. “Son, what is Jesus showing you about that?” Him: “I don’t know.” You “Why not go ask Him, and let me know what He says.”

Pastors, ministers, intercessors, worship leaders, all who serve in the Lord’s Kingdom here, as well as all believers, BEWARE! You have good kids. But BEWARE! How could the devil ever get to them? Well, subtly, of course, using their inexperience in the Word and the Spirit to bring lies and confusion. Using peers and the appeal of the world. Using world views that seem good but are contrary to God’s revelation. They are still young and impressionable, and good judgement does not usually develop until they are mature.  They must learn to speak to Jesus and get Holy Spirit guidance for themselves.

Unless you are interceding for your children daily, they are vulnerable

“It couldn’t happen to me,” you say. “My kids are strong in the Lord. They have known Jesus for years. They are truly worshipers.” BEWARE! Do not be complacent! Remember: “We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12 NLT).

Let me say this clearly, and as from the Lord, which it is, unless you are taking authority over the enemy and interceding for your children daily, they are indeed vulnerable. I don’t care how strong and filled with the Word and the Spirit they are – they are vulnerable. If for no other reason than love for your kids, you will put aside some things and become strong intercessors.

We are living in a day when the Lord’s Kingdom is advancing quickly toward the end of the age, and the enemy is running scared and doing everything in his power to deceive, confuse, bring disunity and hinder the work of the Lord.

Am I saying focus on the devil and the works of darkness? Absolutely not! Just the opposite! Be awake, aware and alert, but put your full focus on the Lord and His love for you and your kids, and the awesome power He has given to those who believe over all the works of the enemy… But you must know, be sure of and stay in touch with who you are in Christ, realize He wants to fellowship with you and guide you by His Spirit within.

Communicate with Your Children About Their Prayer Lives

When you see things in your kids you want to question, hopefully you have developed good communication with them. But “you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Constantly questioning and harping on things is not good. You have been training them up. They know where you stand. Maybe a brief reminder is needed, but that’s it – THEN PRAY! Take authority over every lie of the enemy, doing it in faith, knowing the Lord is with you and is the source of your very real power in the spirit realm.

Now, it is true what they say, that young people, especially in their latter teens and older, do need to find their faith for themselves. They cannot live spiritually by your faith. They haven’t experienced yet the miracles and all the answered prayer that helped strengthen your faith. Things will happen in life. They will question. Be a gentle guide if there is opportunity, but not controlling – and PRAY.

It is by a bigger factor than you realize that your prayers will influence them hearing God for themselves and becoming solid in Him. It is not first and foremost your word; not even your good example, as important as that is, but it is prayer that is most effective. How many kids have been raised poorly, but a praying grandparent prayed them into the Kingdom or back on track?

I am not talking about the prodigals, although there truly is real hope for their return. I am talking about that good kid, who would never _____ (you fill in the blank). Preventive medicine is always better. Start praying now if you are not already focused there. I don’t mean the casual, routine prayer you always say. Be conscious of your words and of your power in the spirit and pray whole-hearted prayers for your kids. The enemy will be stopped, but we must cooperate.

And if you have a prodigal, do not despair. I don’t care how long it has been. The Good Shepard is on your side. But He needs your faith, your cooperation, your partnership. Trust in the Lord! Live for Him! Do not try to make it happen in the flesh – it will backfire! And reach out – support and encourage and pray for one another.

As you believe and overcome in the spirit, love your kids in the natural. Do not condemn them or put them down. Accept what you can and pray. And what you can’t accept, let them know, but continue to love them.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Rom. 16:20).