"Combating Family Weakness
In light of the high call and destiny for families, it's little wonder God's Word says, 'Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,' Ephesians 6:10. I believe the erosion of parental and family effectiveness in the last generation can be traced to three basic areas: (1) practical unpreparedness, (2) spiritual assault on the family, and (3) undermined confidence.
I. Practical Preparedness - Ignorance
A. Poor histories - Parents who were, themselves, raised by parents who were unequipped to handle the job tend to perpetuate the tragedy in their home.
B. Selfishness - The modern-day self-fulfillment doctrine is subordinating the needs of children to the selfish whims and pursuits of parents. Many also are unwilling to bridle their own desires, and sacrifice the welfare and growth of their children, leaving them to fend for themselves.
Scriptural answer: Proverbs 24: 3,4, 'By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.'
II. Spiritual Assault - Compromise
A. Legislation - The last years have produced much talk and some legislation limiting the rights of parents in exercising their authority in the lives of their children.
B. Education - Some educational committees believe it is the job of the school to provide and instill social values for students because of the failure of parenst to do it at home. The world spirit is charging into the void created by the failure of parents to teach and train.
C. Humanism - The teaching which exalts man as the author and fulfiller of his own destiny, denying God, has infiltrated every level of society. This philosophy of self-sufficiency is a hellish retread which has manifested itself throughout human history. The lie still exists.
Scriptural answer: Ephesians 6:12, 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.'
III. Undermined Confidence - Timidity
A. Expertism - Some say only experts are qualified to have opinions on child rearing. To me, the only true authority is the Word (Bible, not Dr Spock). Too often, parents feel unworthy to trust their own convictions or principles of the Biblical promise.
B. Personal Failure - We have all failed at one time or another. Our desperate attempts to overcome our failure often lead to timidity. We spend so much time trying not to fail again, that we forfeit our ability to lead effectively.
Scriptural answer: II Timothy 1:7, 'For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind.'
Ron Mehl"