Sermon Title: Myth #3, A Godly Home Guarantees Godly Children
“Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, “Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life.” Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.”
This story is taken from an edition of the daily devotional, “Our Daily Bread”: “A strange dog came to a preacher’s house, and his three sons soon became quite fond of it. It so happened that there were three white hairs in the animal’s tail. One day an advertisement was seen in the newspaper about a lost dog which fitted that description perfectly. “In the presence of my three boys,” said the minister, “we carefully separated the three white hairs and removed them.” The real owner discovered where the straying canine had found a home and came to claim him. The dog showed every sign of recognition, so the man was ready to take him away.
Quickly the minister spoke up, “Didn’t you say the dog would be known by three white hairs in its tail?” The owner, unable to find the identifying feature, was forced to leave. The minister said later, “we kept the dog, but I lost my three boys for Christ.” His sons no longer had confidence in what their father professed. He hadn’t practiced what he preached.”
What we do or don’t do will influence those around us, especially those we love the most. But can we do things to “guarantee” that they will choose to follow God? Many believe we can, because they think that a godly home will always produce godly children. We will share why this is not true and why parents are still response to influence their children in a godly manner this coming Sunday as we continue the sermon series, “Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe.” Hope to see you then!
