There is a generation...

This past Sunday, our pastor used as his text a passage from Proverbs 30:11-14. [n] Sadly, it describes a generation which seems so relevant to modern day America. If we are not yet there, we are no doubt on the very verge of such similitude. I would like to briefly cover each of these four verses separately.

[vs. 11] There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

In a day where parents are ridiculed or condemn for any corporal punishment (i.e. spankings) toward their children, and where many children can be given talks about sexuality, contraceptives, and even the morning after pill without a parent’s consent, it seems likely the division between parent and child will only grow here in America.

Scripture says “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord,” [n] while declaring “ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” [n] The commandment of God is to “Honour thy father and mother” [n], and thus not to do so is sin – but equally is the clear direction of God to teach our children the things of God [n], and to fail to do so is also sin.

The failure in the relationships within the home between parents and children will continue to lead to a breakdown in society. We need to take a renewed look at ourselves as parents, and see if we are spending quality (and quantity) time with our children. We need to ensure that we are not merely demanding respect by saying “do what I say, not what I do”, but are giving them godly examples of how to live and communicate with each other with charity about us. If our children are afraid or unsure how to be close to us or we find it difficult to be a part of our child’s life, it is our duty as parents to seek the wisdom of God as how to bridge that great divide we may have with the souls God has given us to nurture.

Scripture declares there will be a time when “the father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law,” [n] but let it not be on our watch. Let us serve God, protect, cherish, and teach our children of Him, and prayerful turn the heart of America to the saviour, Jesus Christ.