Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 7/23/2010

Question
Do you think that a child is labeled if he or she gets into trouble at an early age even if the parents are Christians? And how can you really know what they will be doing .I thought I instilled good moral values into my children? But now I'm uncertain. Would God get to me through my children? I know that he is a god of love and mercy .But does he every get angry with us and let the devil use our kids ; in a bad way???????? Please  I know that Jesus loves this family please help. Thanks Candy

Answer
Hi Candy,

Thanks for this great question.  I am so sorry for my late response.  I think it is important to know that God loves you and wants everyone to respond to Him.  His invitation is extended to all, includeing your kids.

Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

If you are a born again CHristian, your sins have already been nailed to the cross... Jesus already became your sin, you are not to be in dread of God's judgment be it through your kids or not.  God loves your kids and He loves you.  He would not cause them to do evil just to hurt you.  If He allows negative things in your life it is simply to get you to walk closer to Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Here is the scary ting about parenting:  We can teach our kids about God, but there comes a time when they must choose to follow Him on their own.  Not everyone exposed to the truth embraces the truth.  They have free will to accept or reject the truth.  If they reject the truth, this is their choice and their burden, not yours.  Jesus called the people of Jerusalem, but they did not all choose to follow Him... God respects free choice of man.

Matthew 23:37
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don