We know from the whole counsel of scripture that this verse does not mean salvation is automatically promised to entire families at once, without each member's own individual decision for Christ. The Bible also says, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:10).
However, the truth is that unsaved loved ones receive special attention by God because of the presence of a believer within the family. "For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy" (1 Corinthians 7:14).
The believing member causes a unique covering or blessing from God to be upon the lives of all other family members. This blessing releases a special work of the Holy Spirit within their hearts, in the attempt to draw each one personally to the Lord Jesus.
The winning of a mate to the Lord is described in 1 Peter 3:1-4: "...if any of them (husbands) do not believe the Word, they may be won over by the behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives...a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." This is also the case of a husband who is believing for his wife's salvation. When there are opportunities for you to speak about your Lord, you should not hesitate to obey the prompting of the Spirit.
Certainly the wisdom of God is needed today more than ever before in raising children. Particularly so, with regard to their spiritual lives. It is important to set the right example before our children and "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).
Of course, it may be that the situation in your own experience does not quite line up to this ideal. You may have recently invited the Lord into your heart and your children may already be half grown (or have grown up and left home already). In this case, their childhood spiritual teaching would have probably been minimal. You may find that you have a fight on your hands. The Bible calls it "spiritual warfare." Of course, God has given mankind free choice. You may have done the best you could and the children are still rebelling at this time.
First of all, do not allow the enemy, Satan, to rob you of your peace and joy by keeping you in the bondage of guilt. We know that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). There are no perfect parents on earth, as long as sin still exists in the world. In particular instances, the Lord will lead you to sincere repentance for past mistakes. You may even find the need to humble yourself before your children and apologize to them. A lot of emotional healing can take place after such an event and may even be the key to unlock the door to your children's hearts, causing them to seek the Lord for themselves. And, of course, the Holy Spirit is always faithful to hear your prayers and woo them. Once you have sincerely repented and apologized, if necessary, then absolutely refuse to allow false guilt to rule you. The Bible says, "...there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1,2). Above all, keep praying. Allow the Lord to burden you deeply with the desire for your entire family to know Christ intimately. Continue to draw closer to the Lord yourself and faithfully pray for the salvation of your loved ones. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.... May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests" (Psalm 20:1-5).
Brighter Views
Flowers bloom... and songbirds singIn happy ecstacy--
The world is filled with gladness,
That's how God meant it to be,
And He gave us capabilities
To add a special glow
And bring a bit of happiness
To those we love and know...
To see a brighter view,
Or bring a happy smile so that
The sun comes shining through,
You please God for you've done what He
Intended you to do!
From the book "Because I Love You"
by Alice Joyce Davidson
Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
