The Family Influence Good or Bad

The Family Influence Good or Bad

Dr. Charles Stanley

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Proverbs 22:6 tells us, "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." What a great responsibility this places on parents. Records of royal lineage (1 Kings 15-16) illustrate that one's level of submission to God is often mirrored in the offspring's life.

Now, it's true that children eventually grow and make their own decisions. There are godly parents who are heartbroken by their kids' poor choices. Similarly, some from backgrounds full of sinful bondage become righteous people of integrity.

As mothers and fathers, we are given a momentous task: to model and teach how to live according to God's Word. Thankfully, we don't have to rely on ourselves for wisdom. Good parenting involves prayerful self-evaluation, godly counsel, and thoughtful course corrections.

Start by considering how you'd answer the following questions if your children were to walk in your way: What place will Jesus, the Word of God, and the church have in their lives? Will they seek God's direction as the ultimate guide for decisions? Will they develop strong godly relationships? Will they know how to handle money wisely? Will they do their best in their vocation? As you seek answers, ask God to reveal truth, since self-examination can be difficult.

In prayerfully considering your impact as a parent, expect to see positives and negatives. The goal isn't self-condemnation, so keep in mind 1) there's no perfect parent and 2) it's never too late. Even if the kids are grown, you can ask forgiveness, share what you've learned, and model a godly life starting now.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121) - Brian Doerksen

This song by Brian Doerksen can be found on his "You Shine (Live From Dublin)" album. 


There are images from the life of David, the shepherd boy and King. I read that it was written by David in the Wilderness of Paran, after learning of the death of his friend, Samuel. 

 Psalm 121

 A song of ascents. 

  I lift up my eyes to the mountains— 

where does my help come from? 

 My help comes from the Lord, 

the Maker of heaven and earth. 

 He will not let your foot slip—

 he who watches over you will not slumber; 

 indeed, he who watches over Israel 

will neither slumber nor sleep. 

 The Lord watches over you—

 the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 

 the sun will not harm you by day, 

nor the moon by night. 

The Lord will keep you from all harm —

 he will watch over your life; 

the Lord will watch over your coming 

and going both now and forevermore.