HOW PARENTS HINDER THE SALVATION OF THEIR CHILDREN.
By G. B. Thompson
A young man, when approached by a Christian worker and asked to give himself to the Lord and obey His commandments, said: “I do not care to become a Christian. I do not want any of father's and mother's kind of religion. They profess to be Christians, keep the Sabbath, and are looking for the Lord to come, but they are unkind to each other. I hear them give back sharp, angry replies to each other daily, argue, dispute, and sulk over the most trivial matters. I try to please them, work hard, and endeavor to be obedient, but can do scarcely anything right, receive no encouragement, and they get cross and angry with me. I have become discouraged, and do not care to be a Christian.” We hope this is an isolated case. It is certainly a sad one. Many say, “I wish you would pray for my boy,” or “my girl,” when they have a work to do in removing the stumbling blocks which they have placed in the way. This is illustrated by the case referred to. The parents, by unconsecrated lives, were in the gateway, blocking the entrance to the kingdom. If their son is lost, they will not be clear of his blood. If the sharp, angry words and strife could be banished from homes, it would mean the salvation of many children. These things are from Satan, and how pleased the Lord would be to remove them from the heart. Many a boy who is discouraged and in a back-slidden condition would be reclaimed if father and mother would but confess to him their unfaithfulness, would tell him how sorry and ashamed they are for their harsh words to him and to each other, and then, in the secret place, pray with him. Parents, show your child you are an overcomer. Don't find fault with him, nor murmur and complain at all he does, especially when he has done his best. This brings discouragement and alienation. Commend his faithfulness. Encourage him in every way you can. Bind him to your heart by love. This will bring a blessing to your own soul, and salvation to your child.