Lost Children

     Some of us lose our children.  Children can become rebellious against their parents and their parents set of beliefs.  This may include Christianity if that is the faith of the parents.  This act can be devastating in itself.

 

     The average parents initial reaction is anger.  In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the parable about the prodigal son.  Keep this foremost in your thoughts when dealing with the rebellious child.  We raise them to become independent, and, when they begin to exhibit that independence, we panic.  In the beginning, the acts of independence are usually immature in nature.  They are committed with immature thinking based on little experience.  Rebellion is always against authority.  As a parent, you are the primary authority figures in their life at a young age.

 

     As a Christian, God commands you to continue to love and show it in your actions.  Do not alienate the child.  A bird is rarely successful on their first flight.  The first few flights are ugly and sometimes dangerous.  Be there to offer guidance.  Do not force feed them Christianity.  Force feeding can result in forcing them away even faster and can plant a seed of guilt in their minds.  Love is the key.  I cannot overstress love.  Let them know that God will always be here, and, if they decide to return, will be loving and welcoming.  I write these things from experience.

     God has a bad image many times.  This comes from Christian anger against non-believers or those believers that have doubts or questions.  Anger is an outward pronouncement of judgment, and we know what God thinks of our judging others.  Many times, Christians inform people that they are going to hell for their actions.  They should be telling people what I said above; God is always here waiting for you with unconditional love when you are ready.  His loving arms are a safe haven for those souls lost on the dark and stormy sea of life.