I can't imagine the number of parents that have clung to the promise in the verse above. While we strive to teach our children in the way of the Lord, it is hard to allow them to "grow up" and make their own decisions. Whether it be their marriage partner, career or spending habits, we have the tendency to impart the wisdom from our own experience. While the "School of Hard Knocks" may be the best teacher, we definitely don't want our children to make the same mistakes we have made during the course of life. We only want the best for them, including a close relationship with God.
Much like all other aspects of parenting, the best teaching is accomplished through leading by example. Do we share with our children how we spend time each day studying God's word or do we demonstrate a "Sunday Only" approach to Christianity? They will see on a daily basis just how committed we are to living a Christian life.
We must face the fact that as our children grow, they must be allowed to make their own decisions. Much like Christ allows us to make a decision to serve him. While He is able to force us to follow his will, it is by our own choice that we choose to obey. And the same privilege should be afforded to our children. While we don't like it, they must make the decision on their own.
As a Follower of Jesus, let's follow His example: teaching the way to salvation, the keys to a christian life and allowing each to make their own decision. It hurts to allow such freedom but the joy when they reach the decision to follow Christ is well worth the pain!
