What Will Your Children Remember?

by Micky Galloway

Jeremiah 17:1-2, “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, (and) with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the tablet of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars; whilst their children remember their altars and their Asherim by the green trees upon the high hills.”

Jeremiah describes Judah’s sin, “… they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable things, and have filled mine inheritance with their abominations … unto thee shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited nought but lies, (even) vanity and things wherein there is no profit” (Jeremiah 16:17-19). Jeremiah made an observation about his generation that its sin was engraved on their hearts as if it were written with a pen of iron with the point of a diamond. Judah’s idolatry was indelibly imprinted on the minds of their children. The horrors of their idolatrous practices did not just affect those who were older, they also corrupted their children. The future of their children was being decided by the example of their forefathers.

The Psalmist said, “Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; (and) the fruit of the womb is (his) reward. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them …” (Psalms 127:3-5). Something is badly wrong with parents who do not love and value their children. “Natural affection” (cf. Romans 1:31), should motivate us to be concerned about our children’s welfare and future. We want to train them to eat properly so they will be healthy. We warn them against dangers of which they may not be aware. We try to train them to make good decisions so they do not suffer a lifetime of consequences. How then do we miss teaching them what is the most important thing in life? “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). “Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

Fathers are admonished to bring up their children, to “nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Timothy’s “unfeigned faith” is attributed to the example of a godly mother and grandmother (II Timothy 1:5). On the other hand, we are told of Ahaziah, “He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab; for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly. And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah” (II Chronicles 22:3-4). All of us have memories of our childhood, some pleasant, some not so pleasant. What will your children remember about you as they grow up?

Will they remember that BOTH parents sought diligently to be FAITHFUL Christians. They may remember that we did not have the finest house or the most advanced “things,” but do NOT deprive them of a mother and father that are committed to the Lord. (Young people, marry someone who wants to go to heaven more than anything else! Convert your friend before you marry. Give to your children parents who are committed to the Lord.) Both parents must be united in spiritual things to help themselves and their children. Will our children remember that TOGETHER we studied the Bible (II Timothy 2:15), prayed (cf. Philippians 4:6; I Thessalonians 5:17) and worshiped regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25)?

Will they remember a FATHER who is the head of his household (Ephesians 5:23), the spiritual leader of the family? One who loves his wife and honors and cherishes her (Ephesians 5:29; I Peter 5:7)? One who loves his children and does not grow weary of teaching and guiding his children, even when they disobey. One who was not too busy to give time and attention. Fathers, when you must correct your child, do it with love. Your goal is to correct the child’s behavior, not provoke him to bitterness against you. “Fathers, do not provoke your children, that they be not discouraged” (Colossians 3:21; cf. Hebrews 12:10-11). That’s a father’s love.

Will they remember a MOTHER who reverenced their father (Ephesians 5:33), and was recognized and respected by both her husband and her children for her worth? “Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband (also), and he praiseth her, (saying): Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all” (Proverbs 31:28-29). Remember “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” That’s a mother’s love.

Will they remember that their parents taught them to OBEY. “Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). The expression “for this is right” implies teaching them obedience to God. God is the ultimate one who determines what is right. “Harken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old” (Proverbs 23:22). Yes, respect for authority begins in the home. If children are not taught respect and obedience in the home, they will not grow up to respect and obey God.

Childhood memories like these are PLEASANT. We fondly remember cooperation, harmony, peace, joy, and love. (We are not plagued with the tormenting memories of selfish bickering, arguing, strife, bitterness, etc.) If you have pleasant memories like this thank God! You had parents who loved GOD and loved YOU! It is from this kind of home that elders are selected. If our homes are in trouble, so is the church! What kind memories will your children have?

On the other hand: Will our children remember that you never obeyed the gospel, or that you turned back and ceased to serve the Lord, or that you constantly complained and found fault with your brethren in the Lord? Will they remember that you could sit on a backless bleacher for a two or three hour ball game, or in a boat fishing all day, but that an hour on a padded bench in the church building was just too much for your back? Will they remember that you skipped services when kinfolks came, or for the opening day of deer season, or during vacation? Will they remember that the price of gasoline, motels, and food (not even COVID) could keep you from other things, but you could not drive across town to worship with brethren or encourage other brethren in a gospel meeting? Will they remember that you were always early for the movie, and in the stands well before kickoff at the game, but that you never seemed to be able to get to worship services before the singing had started?

Indeed, our children will remember what was important to us! What will your children remember about you?