Parents, Children, and Stumblingblocks

by Darlene Troxler

Readers be sure to take special notice when Jesus speaks in verse 7 of Matthew 18 below:  “Woe to that man”….  A short quote from Matthew Henry:  “Christ came into the world to save souls, and he will reckon severely with those who hinder the progress of others who are setting their faces heavenward”.  Woe = warning.  Jesus is warning us!  Woe to that man [woman] by whom the offence cometh–meaning we are not to partake in tempting others to sin [true believers won’t have that in their heart to begin with].  BUT we are especially not to put forth temptation/stumbling blocks before children!!!  Temptation, stumbling blocks, scandals are always going to be in the world because of the god of this world=Satan.  Followers of Christ should be set apart from this world system.

If we dare put stumbling blocks/temptation in front of our child/children/grandchildren our just reward will be condemnation [verses 5~7].  How dare Christian mothers and fathers allow stumbling blocks towards their children!  If I am to place offences before my children there will be ultimate consequences — I will be held accountable.  Naturally our children have the ability to make their own choices in life.

As Christian women and mothers it is our duty to raise our children from a Biblical stance, without getting legalistic.  It is hard sometimes for me not to be judgmental when I see self professing Christian moms and what they allow in their homes for their children to read, watch, copy, mimic, it goes on and on.  Home should be a safe haven for our children.  Notice I said should be?…..sadly demonic influence is all aloft in so-called Christian homes today.

If our children don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ it is OUR/YOUR duty as mothers [and fathers] to teach them the ways of the LORD.  Open that Bible and start reading with your children.  Stop letting them read Harry Potter books and watching all of those demonic T.V. shows!!!  Turn off the television which by the way if you haven’t noticed degrades women and children, teaching them every filthy immoral act there is to know.  WOW how T.V. has changed…..anything goes!  Turn if off!!!  What about those games with the blood and guts?  This generation of children and young adults are the most rebellious and lazy I’ve ever seen-smacking, punching, and fighting their mother, they think they are in charge, a parent has no say so – – -is it any wonder?  When we let society; i.e. the school system and/or T.V. raise our children what do we expect?  Would Jesus watch or read what we allow our children to read and watch?  We are going to be held very accountable for our actions one day concerning our children and grandchildren.

PRAISE GOD if your child is setting their faces heavenward !  We need to continue to be the example Christ is to us so that our child does not stumble.  Don’t hinder your children from God’s Word.  Teach them so that they will have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Praise God that He gives us the knowledge to teach accordingly.  It’s never too late to start sharing the Gospel with your child/children/grandchildren.  Children are such a gift from our Lord and my heart wearies over how parents don’t take raising their children seriously as the Lord wants.  I’ve shared my thoughts before concerning moms/children/grandchildren before – just so dear to my heart that we show them the way.  HE is coming one day–are you ready?

THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM 

“AT the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them,  And said, Verily [Truly] I say unto you, Except ye be converted [changed], and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me.  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.  Woe unto the world because of offences [wrongs done] !  for it must needs be [is natural] that offences come;  but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh !  Wherefore if thy hand or foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee:  it is better for thee to enter into life halt [lame] or maimed [crippled], rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.  And if thine eye offend [trouble] thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee:  it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.” ~~MATTHEW 18:1~9 

Jesus is going to return one day………are you sharing God’s word with your children and grandchildren so that they will be saved?  I pray so.
In His love,
Darlene Troxler

ARE You Just Raising or Training Up Your Child? 

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