Follow God and Take your Family with you!

Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom.” Ge 13:12 NLT

Jesus said: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Mt 18:6 A challenge to every parent: Your authority doesn’t come from your knowledge but from your lifestyle and integrity. As your children grow up, they’re less likely to listen to what you say and more likely to imitate what you do. So where are your footsteps leading? Remember Abraham and Lot? They shared the same family, the same faith, and had the same opportunities in life. But when it came to raising children, Abraham grew roses and Lot grew weeds. What made the difference? Abraham followed God while Lot followed his own selfish interests. “Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom.” Before it was over, Lot lost his authority with his family. So here is the question: As a parent, where are you pitching your tent? King David also lost his authority with his family. Even though God forgave his affair with Bathsheba and permitted him to remain on the throne, his sin took a terrible toll. His son Amnon raped his sister Tamar. His other son Absalom stole the throne, and his son Solomon’s wives ultimately led him into idolatry. Nathan the prophet told him, “Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you” (2Sa 12:11 NIV). You only get one chance to do it right, so follow God and take your children with you.